adjective

lawful

lawful, legal, legitimate

They are the lawful owners of the property.

They are the lawful owners of the property.

His actions were completely lawful.

His actions were completely lawful.

((a lawful sth.)) a legal (sth.) This is a lawful business transaction.

((to be lawful)) to be permitted by law His actions were completely lawful.

Synonyms: legal, legitimate, valid; Antonyms: unlawful, illegal

From 'law' + the suffix '-ful', meaning 'full of law' or 'conforming to the law'.

It's simply 'law' + 'ful'. If something is 'full of law', it must be allowed by the law.

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