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Dictionary Language resources

ordinance

Syllabification: (or·di·nance)

Pronunciation: /ˈôrdn-əns/

Definition of ordinance

noun

1North American a piece of legislation enacted by a municipal authority:a city ordinance banned smoking in nearly all types of restaurants

2an authoritative order; a decree.

3a prescribed religious rite:Talmudic ordinances

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)