— lawfully , adv. — lawfulness , n.
/law"feuhl/ , adj.
1. allowed or permitted by law; not contrary to law: a lawful enterprise.
2. recognized or sanctioned by law; legitimate: a lawful marriage; a lawful heir.
3. appointed or recognized by law; legally qualified: a lawful king.
4. acting or living according to the law; law-abiding: a lawful man; a lawful community.
[ 1250-1300; ME laghful. See LAW 1 , -FUL ]
Syn. 1. legal. 2. licit.