(n.) 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.
(n.) In morals: The will of God as the rule for the disposition and
conduct of all responsible beings toward him and toward each other; a
rule of living, conformable to righteousness; the rule of action as
obligatory on the conscience or moral nature.
(n.) The Jewish or Mosaic code, and that part of Scripture where it
is written, in distinction from the gospel; hence, also, the Old
Testament.
(n.) An organic rule, as a constitution or charter, establishing
and defining the conditions of the existence of a state or other
organized community.
(n.) Any edict, decree, order, ordinance, statute, resolution,
judicial, decision, usage, etc., or recognized, and enforced, by the
controlling authority.
(n.) In philosophy and physics: A rule of being, operation, or
change, so certain and constant that it is conceived of as imposed by
the will of God or by some controlling authority; as, the law of
gravitation; the laws of motion; the law heredity; the laws of thought;
the laws of cause and effect; law of self-preservation.
(n.) In matematics: The rule according to which anything, as the
change of value of a variable, or the value of the terms of a series,
proceeds; mode or order of sequence.
(n.) In arts, works, games, etc.: The rules of construction, or of
procedure, conforming to the conditions of success; a principle, maxim;
or usage; as, the laws of poetry, of architecture, of courtesy, or of
whist.
(n.) Collectively, the whole body of rules relating to one subject,
or emanating from one source; -- including usually the writings
pertaining to them, and judicial proceedings under them; as, divine
law; English law; Roman law; the law of real property; insurance law.
(n.) Legal science; jurisprudence; the principles of equity;
applied justice.
(n.) Trial by the laws of the land; judicial remedy; litigation;
as, to go law.
(n.) An oath, as in the presence of a court.
(v. t.) Same as Lawe, v. t.
(interj.) An exclamation of mild surprise.
