Definition of legal

< legacy

legal age >

le·gal    (lgl) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Of, relating to, or concerned with law: legal papers.
2. 1. Authorized by or based on law: a legal right.
   2. Established by law; statutory: the legal owner.
3. In conformity with or permitted by law: legal business operations.
4. Recognized or enforced by law rather than by equity.
5. In terms of or created by the law: a legal offense.
6. Applicable to or characteristic of attorneys or their profession.

NOUN:

1. One that is in accord with certain rules or laws.
2. legals Investments that may be legally made by fiduciaries and certain institutions, such as savings banks and insurance companies. Also called legal list.

---

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French, from Latin lglis, from lx, lg-, law; see leg- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
legal·ly(Adverb)