unlaw

1 of 2

noun

un·​law

"+

1

: a violation of law : disregard of the restraints of law : illegality, lawlessness

times of unlaw alternate with times of law

—Frederick Pollock & F. W. Maitland

2

Scots law : a fine or amercement for a violation of law

unlaw

2 of 2

transitive verb

"

1

Scots law : to impose a fine upon

2

[un- entry 2 + law, noun] obsolete : to deprive of the character of a law : annul

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English unlawe, from Old English unlagu, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse ōlög, ūlög illegality, lawlessness, from ō-, ū- un- + lög law

Transitive verb

Middle English (Scots) unlawen, from unlawe, noun

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