noun
1. international law : the law based on necessity or policy that is applied to all persons and property in occupied territory during invasion or occupation and is executed by the military authority of a belligerent acting directly or through civil courts ; especially : such law when it is in accord with the laws and usages of war — compare military government , military law
2. : military rule exercised by a nation or state over its citizens or subjects in a situation where they are not legally enemies and when an emergency justifies such action