ordinance

/ˈȯr-də-nən(t)s/

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French ordenance order, disposition, from Medieval Latin ordinantia, from Latin ordinant-, ordinans, present participle of ordinare to put in order

noun

  1. an authoritative decree or direction : order

  2. a law set forth by a governmental authority; specifically : a municipal regulation

  3. something ordained or decreed by fate or a deity

On that day the king signed three ordinances.

law rule regulation precept statute ordinance canon mean a principle governing action or procedure. law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority. rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.