legality
[lee-gal-i-tee]
- the state or quality of being in conformity with the law; lawfulness.
- attachment to or observance of law.
- Usually legalities. a duty or obligation imposed by law.
- Theology. reliance on good works for salvation rather than on free grace.
Origin of legality
Synonyms
See more synonyms on Thesaurus.com1. legitimacy, licitness, validity.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for legality
Contemporary Examples
So he actually brought [religion] back to legality in France.
However, this suit really boils down to less about concussions, and more about the legality of informed consent.
This fig leaf of legality must be stripped away, otherwise violence will persist.
Satellites Correctly Predict Military Campaign Against Civilians in SudanAkshaya Kumar
December 9, 2013
IDF's Military Advocate General: legality of training is anchored in principles of 'belligerent occupation.'
Before the 2012 elections, judges were dividing much more along party lines on questions such as the legality of voter ID laws.
Historical Examples
It is this country that is dangerous, with her idealistic conception of legality.
The Secret AgentJoseph Conrad
I am happy to find you agreeing with me, then, in the legality of the doctrine of the right of search.
Homeward BoundJames Fenimore Cooper
He had gone astray after Mr. Legality, and the rocks had almost overwhelmed him.
BunyanJames Anthony Froude
In other words, if it was not illegal—there was no doubt of its legality—it was an incivility.
A point had arisen concerning the legality of certain payments.
All Roads Lead to CalvaryJerome K. Jerome
legality
- the state or quality of being legal or lawful
- adherence to legal principles
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for legality
n.
mid-15c., from Middle French légalité, from Medieval Latin legalitatem (nominative legalitas), from Latin legalis "pertaining to the law" (see legal).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper