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Glite Dictionary
bylaw

bylaw

27 5.3
A rule made by a group that tells members how to behave and run the group
  • noun
  • /ˈbaɪˌlɔ/
  • Formal
: estatuto
  • Well, according to the bylaws, that is highly illegal.
  • constitution and bylaws
  • bylaws govern
  • bylaws may be amended

And so they were having a discussion on how to get around their anti discrimination like bylaws.

Examples

  • The bylaw prohibits the use of fireworks during dry seasons to prevent fires.

  • According to the neighborhood's bylaw, all members must attend the monthly meetings.

  • Oh, it's written in the school bylaw.

    Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior (2006)

  • The bylaw was the first of its kind and remains the only bylaw recognizing band control over child welfare.

    Academic text (2017)

  • The bylaws say we can stay.

    The House on Sorority Row (1982)

  • - It's in the company bylaws.

    Believe (2016)

  • Generally, independent school bylaws should follow a standard, accepted legal format and include all the important relevant information.

    Academic text (2006)

  • Mandatory board meeting tomorrow morning, the bylaws will be changed.

    Due Season (2022)

  • Bylaws say no meeting can adjourn if a member wants to speak his or her mind.

    North Country (2005)

  • The vote to rescind the old and adopt the new bylaws will be at our meeting.

    Blog text (18)

Synonyms

rule
vsbylaw
∞ 1.0

An instruction or law that tells people what to do

is a specific regulation within an organization to govern members and management

Antonyms

anarchy
79 6.5

A situation with no government and much disorder

How Permanent

standing order
  • Formal
4 4.2
bylaw
  • Formal
27 5.3
rule
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

bylaw singular
bylaws plural

Morphology

bylaw = law (semi-transparent) = by + law

The parts 'by' and 'law' are visible, but the specific meaning 'an internal rule of an organization' is a specialized extension not directly predictable from general senses of 'by' and 'law'. [Postprocessing: moved 'by' from base_words to prefix]

Etymology

The word bylaw comes from the old word by, which meant 'village' and appears in place names like Whitby, plus law, so it originally meant a rule for a town or local group. That's why today a bylaw is a rule made by an organization or community.