lawful

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   Allowed by or in accordance with the law.

   The protest was a lawful way to express their anger.

2. 2
   adj

   Having a claim that the law officially recognises.

   She is the lawful owner of the house.

From Middle English laweful, equivalent to law + -ful, conflated with Middle English leful, leeful, leveful (“according to law, lawful, pertaining to law”). See also leveful.

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