n.
Pronunciation: ' o ̇ rd-n ə n(t)s, ' o ̇ r-d ə -n ə n(t)s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French ordenance order, disposition, from Medieval Latin ordinantia, from Latin ordinant-, ordinans, present participle of ordinare to put in order ― more at ORDAIN
Date: 14th century
1 a : an authoritative decree or direction : ORDER b : a law set forth by a governmental authority specifically : a municipal regulation
2 : something ordained or decreed by fate or a deity
3 : a prescribed usage, practice, or ceremony
synonyms see LAW