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statute
noun
law, rule, regulation, precept, statute, ordinance, canon mean a principle governing action or procedure.
law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.
rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.
regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.
precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.
statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.
ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.
canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.
Examples of statute in a Sentence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'statute.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Middle English, from Anglo-French estatut, from Late Latin statutum law, regulation, from Latin, neuter of statutus, past participle of statuere to set up, station, from status position, state
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
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Cite this Entry
“Statute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/statute. Accessed 12 Sep. 2024.
Kids Definition
statute
nounLegal Definition
statute
nounLatin statutum law, regulation, from neuter of statutus, past participle of statuere to set up, station, from status position, state
More from Merriam-Webster on statute
Nglish: Translation of statute for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of statute for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about statute
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