ordinance

Noun

ordinance (countable and uncountable, plural ordinances)

1. (US) A local law, passed by e.g. a city.
   • Enactive. Expositive. / Art. 57. XIII 2. The Registrative, or say Recordative: exercised, by the arrangements and operations, by which, in conformity to corresponding ordinances and mandates, the accounts, given at different periods by the exercise of the statistic function, are kept in contiguity...1830, Jeremy Bentham, Constitutional code: for the use all nations and all governments ..., volume 1, page 251
   • According to the weatherperson, spring arrived in Hartford, Conn., on Monday, March 20 at 6:34 p.m. But gay people here didn't need a weatherperson to feel the gust of fresh air at a hearing on the proposed gay rights ordinance before the City Council that night at 7:30.1978 April 8, Eric Gordon, “Hartford Hears Testimony on Gay Rights Bill”, in Gay Community News, page 1

   Synonyms:

   bylaw

2. (England) Prior to the Third English Civil War, a decree of Parliament.
3. (Commonwealth, UK, pre-1992 universities) Detailed legislation that translates the broad principles of the university's charter and statutes into practical effect.
4. (Hong-Kong) A law enacted by the Hong Kong Legislative Council.
5. (India, Pakistan) A temporary legislation promulgated by the president on the recommendation of the cabinet.
6. A religious practice or ritual prescribed by a church.