licit

[lis-it]

adjective

1. legal; lawful; legitimate; permissible.

licit

/ ˈlɪsɪt /

adjective

1. a less common word for lawful

Other Word Forms

• licitly adverb
• licitness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of licit¹

1475–85; < Latin licitus permitted (past participle of licēre ); replacing earlier licite < Middle French; -ite ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of licit¹

C15: from Latin licitus permitted, from licēre to be permitted

Example Sentences

But Ms Rose argues the new leaders will need to identify "new and alternative economic pathways to encourage Syrians to participate in the licit formal economy."

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But animals’ taste for human goods — licit and illicit — can also bring trouble for them and for us.

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"The war and its consequences have led to an increased use of licit and illicit psychoactive substances."

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Mexican cartels have also expanded their reach, muscling into licit trades for limes and avocados.

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These are, namely, “crime and corruption, secrets and lies, the permeable membrane separating licit and illicit worlds, the bonds of family, the power of denial.”

Read more on Washington Post