1. law: a law or rule made by an authority such as a city government
2. something prescribed: something regularly done because it is formally prescribed, especially a religious ceremony such as Communion
(
formal
)
[14th century. < Old French ordenance< Latin ordinare (see ordain)]
Spelling Note
ordinance or ordnance? Do not confuse the spelling of ordinance and ordnance, which sound similar. An ordinance is a law or rule, or part of a religious ceremony. Ordnance denotes military weapons, or the department responsible for them.
