Law
/lɔː/noun
A system of rules created and enforced through social or governmental institutions.
Did you know?The word 'law' is linked to the ancient concept of a 'binding' force, reflecting the power of oaths and contracts in early societies.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*legh-
“to lie down, to be weak, to bend, to be bound”
Old English
Old English
lagu
“a law, a rule or principle governing conduct”
Old Norse
Old Norse
lǫg
“law, that which is laid down or fixed”
Middle English
Middle English
lawe
“a system of rules recognized by a community”
Modern English
English
law
“the established rules of a society, enforced by governmental authority”
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