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Dictionary Language resources

ordinance

Pronunciation: /ˈɔːdɪnəns/

Definition of ordinance

noun

formal

1an authoritative order.
North American a municipal by-law: they issued an ordinance limiting the length of nets

2a religious rite: his strict observance of religious ordinances was no doubt quickened by the remorse he felt

3archaic term for ordonnance.

Origin:

Middle English (also in the sense 'arrangement in ranks'): from Old French ordenance, from medieval Latin ordinantia, from Latin ordinare 'put in order' (see ordain)