ˈbirˌlȯ, ˈbiəˌlȯ noun
or bur·law ˈbərˌlȯ, ˈbə̄ˌlȯ
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English birelage, birlawe, perhaps from (assumed) Old Norse bȳjar lög, from Old Norse bȳjar (gen. of bȳr town) + lög law — more at bylaw
: the local custom or law of a vill, township, or rural district in the north of England or in Scotland that governs disputes relating especially to boundaries, dates of plowing, and use of common land ; also : a particular custom or law established by common consent of the landholders of such a district