English word law comes from Proto-Indo-European *logʰeye- (to lay, lay down), through Proto-Germanic *lagą (“that which is laid down”)
You can also see our other etymologies for the English word law. Currently you are viewing the etymology of law with the meaning: (Noun Verb) (cricket) One of the official rules of cricket as codified by the its (former) governing body, the MCC.. (fantasy) One of two metaphysical forces ruling the world in some fantasy settings, also [...](cricket) One of the official rules of cricket as codified by the its (former) governing body, the MCC.. (fantasy) One of two metaphysical forces ruling the world in some fantasy settings, also [...]
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| *logʰeye- | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | Causative of *legʰ- (“to lie”) |
| *lēgaz | Proto-Germanic (gem-pro) | Flat, level with the ground. Low. |
| *lagą | Proto-Germanic (gem-pro) | That which is laid down. Situation, law. |
| lágr | Old Norse (non) | Low. |
| lag | Old Norse (non) | |
| *lagu | Old Norse (non) | |
| lagu | Old English (ang) | Law, ordinance, rule, regulation; right, legal privilege. |
| lagu | Old English (ang) | Law, ordinance, rule, regulation; right, legal privilege Sea, water, lake. The runic character ᛚ (/l/). |
| laȝe | Middle English (enm) | |
| law | English (eng) | (cricket) One of the official rules of cricket as codified by the its (former) governing body, the MCC.. (fantasy) One of two metaphysical forces ruling the world in some fantasy settings, also called order, and opposed to chaos.. (legal, chiefly, historical) An oath sworn before a court, especially disclaiming a debt. (Chiefly in the phrases "wager of law", "wage one's law", "perform one's [...] |