Ordinance
/ˈɔːrdɪnəns/noun
A piece of legislation enacted by a municipal authority.
Did you know?The term 'ordinance' comes from Latin roots meaning 'to set in order', linking it to ancient rituals that invoked divine authority over societal rules.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
ordinantia
“a setting in order, arrangement, or regulation.”
Old French
Old French
ordonnance
“a decree or established order.”
Middle English
Middle English
ordinaunce
“a formal rule or directive.”
Modern English
English
ordinance
“a law or regulation enacted by a government authority.”