Etymology Map
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Legal

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means permitted by law

Where does the word "legal" come from? It comes from Latin legalis, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
legalis
Latin · ancient
"of the law"
from 'lex', law
2
Stage 2 of 3
legal
Old French · medieval
"legal"
its native French double is 'loyal', faithful to the law
3
Stage 3 of 3
legal
English · 1400s
"lawful"
'legal tender' dates from the 1700s
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Read the full story

Legal’s story begins in Latin: legalis meant “of the law.” From 'lex', law. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as legal. Its native French double is 'loyal', faithful to the law. It reached English by 1400s as legal. 'legal tender' dates from the 1700s. Today, legal means permitted by law.