bylaw
bylaw Lexical Profile
bylaw Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A rule adopted by an organization, corporation, club, or board chiefly for the government of its members and the regulation of its internal affairs.
"The homeowners' association voted unanimously to amend the bylaw regarding noise restrictions after midnight."
A law or regulation made by a local municipal authority, council, or public agency that applies only within its specific area of jurisdiction.
"The city council passed a new bylaw prohibiting commercial trucks from parking on residential streets overnight."
Word Nuance & Usage
In American English, 'bylaw' most commonly refers to the internal governing rules of a corporation, board, or association, whereas in British and Commonwealth English (often hyphenated as 'by-law' or spelled 'byelaw'), it primarily refers to a municipal ordinance enacted by a local government council.
Word Origin & Etymology
Middle English 'bilawe', derived from Old Norse 'býr' (meaning 'town' or 'settlement', surviving in English place names ending in '-by' such as Whitby) combined with 'law', originally signifying 'town law'.