statute
n.-
1 written law (n.) C1 Advanced Formal Lawa formal law that is written down and passed by a government or parliament.
a formal written enactment of a legislative body that governs a state or nation. Usually countable when referring to specific laws.
ExampleThe new statute requires all businesses to reduce their plastic waste by next year.
ExampleThe court must determine whether the defendant's actions fall within the specific prohibitions outlined in the federal statute.
UsageOften used in the phrase 'statute of limitations', which refers to the legal time limit for starting legal action.
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2 organizational rule (n.) C1 Advanced Formala formal rule made by an organization or institution to govern its members.
a permanent rule established by an organization, corporation, or educational institution to regulate its internal affairs.
ExampleThe university statutes define how the dean is elected every four years.
ExampleThe governing body amended the company statutes to allow for more transparent voting procedures during the annual general meeting.
- regulation
- rule
- bylaw
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3 divine law (n.) C2 Proficiency Archaic Literary Religiona law or command believed to come from God or a king.
a law or decree issued by a sovereign or by a deity. This sense is primarily found in religious or historical texts.
ExampleThe ancient text describes the statutes that the people were expected to follow.
ExampleThe prophet exhorted the assembly to remain faithful to the divine statutes delivered to their ancestors.
From Middle English statut, from Old French statut, from Late Latin statutum (“a statute”), neuter singular of Latin statutus, past participle of statuō (“I set up, establish”).
- Nounstatute
- Adjectivestatutory