English Dictionary

Definition of “lawful

lawful (ˈlɔːfʊlPronunciation for lawful

Definitions

adjective

  1. allowed, recognized, or sanctioned by law; legal

Alternative Forms

ˈlawfully adverb ˈlawfulness noun

Usage examples

  • There was no lawful reason for holding me, of course, but that wouldn't have stopped a prig like Armstrong.
    Adam, Paul, A Nasty Dose of Death (1994)
  • As long as the scheme was bona fide and lawful , the courts would not take exception.
    Business Today (1996)
  • Barry Keeble, 42 of Kingston, is charged with escaping lawful custody.
    Ottawa Sun (2003)
  • At the moment, abortion is lawful in Northern Ireland in certain circumstances.
    Belfast Telegraph (2003)
  • Against this ideological imperialism - as dangerous as any other form - the Censorship is surely a lawful means of defence.
    Pimlott, Ben, Frustrate Their Knavish Tricks (1994)

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