[or.di.nance] n [ME, fr. MF & ML; MF ordenance, lit., act of arranging, fr. ML ordinantia, fr. L ordinant-, ordinans, prp. of ordinare to put in order--more at ordain] (14c) 1 a: an authoritative decree or direction: order b: a law set forth by a governmental authority; specif: a municipal regulation
2: something ordained or decreed by fate or a deity
3: a prescribed usage, practice, or ceremony syn see law