legal aid

American

noun

free legal service to persons unable to pay for a lawyer.

legal aid British

noun

a means-tested benefit in the form of financial assistance for persons to meet the cost of advice and representation in legal proceedings

"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

Etymology

Origin of legal aid

First recorded in 1885–90

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.

I now qualify for legal aid due to my financial situation, but because the inheritance is valued at around $1 million, I am apparently not considered eligible.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 11, 2026

On Thursday, Long said: "We cannot continue to hold these cases hostage while we have a discussion about legal aid fees. It isn't ethical and it isn't appropriate."

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

As she repeatedly put on and removed her glasses, Frometa encouraged people to film immigration agents and noted the council had just approved extra funding for city-sponsored know-your-rights and legal aid workshops.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026

Immigrant advocates and legal aid groups have advised immigrants not to open their doors for immigration agents without judicial warrants.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

Barack activated his network of community organizers to connect us with legal aid, advocacy, and teaching opportunities.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023