adj.
Pronunciation: ' lo ̇ -f ə l
Function: adjective
Date: 14th century
1 a : being in harmony with the law <a lawful judgment> b : constituted, authorized, or established by law : RIGHTFUL < lawful institutions>
2 : LAW-ABIDING < lawful citizens>
– law · ful · ly \ -f( ə -)l ē \ adverb
– law · ful · ness \ -f ə l-n ə s \ noun
synonyms LAWFUL , LEGAL , LEGITIMATE , LICIT mean being in accordance with law. LAWFUL may apply to conformity with law of any sort (as natural, divine, common, or canon) <the lawful sovereign>. LEGAL applies to what is sanctioned by law or in conformity with the law, especially as it is written or administered by the courts < legal residents of the state>. LEGITIMATE may apply to a legal right or status but also, in extended use, to a right or status supported by tradition, custom, or accepted standards <a perfectly legitimate question about taxes>. LICIT applies to a strict conformity to the provisions of the law and applies especially to what is regulated by law <the licit use of drugs by doctors>.