different between laws vs ordinance

English

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /l??z/
• (cot–caught merger, Canada) IPA^(key): /l?z/
• Rhymes: -??z
• Rhymes: -?z

Noun

laws

1. plural of law

Verb

laws

1. Third-person singular simple present indicative form of law

Anagrams

• awls, slaw

English

Alternative forms

• (obsolete) ordinaunce

Etymology

From Middle English (ca. 1300), from Old French ordenance (Modern French ordonnance) "decree, command", from Middle Latin ordinantia, from ordinans, the present participle of Latin ordinare "put in order" (whence ordain).

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /???d(?)n?ns/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /???d(?)n?ns/

Noun

ordinance (plural ordinances)

1. A local law (US)
2. An edict or decree, authoritative order.
   1. (England) Prior to the Third English Civil War, a decree of Parliament.
   2. (Britain, pre-1992 universities, Commonwealth of Nations) Detailed legislation that translates the broad principles of the university's charter and statutes into practical effect.
   3. (Hong Kong) A law enacted by the Hong Kong Legislative Council.
   4. (India) A temporary law promulgated by the President of India on the recommendation of the Union Cabinet.
3. A religious practice or ritual prescribed by the church.

Usage notes

This word is sometimes confused with ordnance, or military weaponry.

Derived terms

• ordnance

Translations

References

• “ordinance”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–present.

Anagrams

• draconine