Ordinance

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈɔːd.nÉ™nts/
• US IPA: /ˈɔɹd.nÉ™ns/, /ˈɔɹ.dɪ.nÉ™ns/

Alternative forms

• ordinaunce

Origin

From Middle English (ca. 1300), from Old French ordenance (Modern French ordonnance) "decree, command", from Middle Latin ordinantia, from ordinans, the present participle of Latin ordinare "put in order" (whence ordain).

Full definition of ordinance

Noun

1. a local law, an edict or decree.
2. a religious practice or ritual prescribed by the church.

Usage notes

This word is sometimes confused with ordnance, or military weaponry.

Derived terms

• ordnance

Anagrams

• draconine