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blue law

American  

noun

  1. any puritanical law that forbids certain practices, especially drinking or working on Sunday, dancing, etc.


Etymology

Origin of blue law

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. — It is still illegal to buy alcohol at a liquor store on Sunday in Indiana, a red state holding fast to an old blue law.

From New York Times Dec. 23, 2015

Boyish-looking Fig Newton, Cherokee-blooded and a onetime vaudevillian, promoted seven separate petitions, ranging from a Sunday closing blue law to freedom for Political Prisoner Tom Mooney.

From Time Magazine Archive

During the week Lord Renfrew received telegrams and letters from blue law exponents urging him to give up his Sunday golf.

From Time Magazine Archive

In the lobby a newsgatherer asked Mr. Bowlby about the "blue law."

From Time Magazine Archive

It is obviously impossible to pass a blue law compelling parents to conform to—what ideal?

From Euthenics, the science of controllable environment a plea for better living conditions as a first step toward higher human efficiency by Ellen H. Richards

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