ˌlejə̇ˈslāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin legis lation-, legis latio legal bill, action of proposing a law, from legis (gen. of lex law) + lation-, latio action of proposing — more at legal , lation
1. : the action of legislating : the making or giving of laws (as by an individual or an organized body) ; specifically : the exercise of the power and function of making rules (as laws, ordinances, edicts) having the force of authority by virtue of their promulgation by an official organ of a state or other organization
the major function of Congress is legislation — W.S.Sayre
the regulation of these various … interests forms the principal task of modern legislation — James Madison
— compare first reading , report stage , second reading , third reading
2. : the enactments of a legislator or a legislative body
one of the most progressive passages in German legislation — Social Service Review
the legislation passed … by the California State Board of Education — N.P.Sacks
rent-control legislation was … extended for another year — Collier's Year Book
3. : a matter of business (as a bill or nomination) for or under consideration by a legislative body
he has the power to introduce legislation
this proposed legislation