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(l), n.[OE. lawe, laghe, AS. lagu, from the root of E. lie: akin to OS. lag, Icel. lg, Sw. lag, Dan. lov; cf. L. lex, E. legal. A law is that which is laid, set, or fixed; like statute, fr. L. statuere to make to stand. See Lie to be prostrate.] 1. In general, a rule of being or of conduct, established by an authority able to enforce its will; a controlling regulation; the mode or order according to which an agent or a power acts. A law may be universal or particular, written or unwritten, published or secret. From the nature of the highest laws a degree of permanency or stability is always implied; but the power which makes a law, or a superior power, may annul or change it. These are the statutes and judgments and laws, which the Lord made. Lev. xxvi. 46. The law of thy God, and the law of the King. Ezra vii. 26. As if they would confine the Interminable . . . Who made our laws to bind us, not himself. Milton. His mind his kingdom, and his will his law. Cowper. 2. In morals: Th Law (), v. t.Same as Lawe, v. t. [Obs.] Law interj.[Cf. La.] An exclamation of mild surprise. [Archaic or Low] スポンサード リンク
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