ordinance

1 an authoritative rule [syn: regulation]

2 a statute enacted by a city government

3 the act of ordaining; the act of conferring (or receiving) holy orders; "the rabbi's family was present for his ordination" [syn: ordination]

English

Pronunciation

Noun

1. a local law or regulation.
2. a religious practice or ritual prescribed by the church.

Usage notes

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

Translations

• German: Verordnung (1), Ritus (2)
• Slovak: nariadenie (1)
• Spanish: ordenanza (1)

Ordinance may refer to:

• A law made by a colony, or a municipality or other local authority, see also Local ordinance
• A law or decree made by any authority or authoritative body:
  • Ordonnance, in French government, a regulation adopted by the executive in a domain normally reserved for statute law
  • Ordinance (Belgium), a law adopted by the Brussels Parliament or the Common Community Commission
  • Imperial ordinance, an order issued by an emperor
  • Ordinance (university), a particular class of internal legislation in a United Kingdom university
  • See also: New Ordinances of 1311, List of Acts and Ordinances of the Parliament of England, 1642 to 1660, and Northwest Ordinance

In religion:

• Ordination, the process by which one is consecrated
• Ecclesiastical ordinances, the bylaws of a Christian religious organization
• Ordinance (Christian), Protestant term for religious ritual
  • Baptist ordinance, Believer's Baptism and Lord's Supper
• Ordinance (Latter Day Saints), a religious ritual of special significance
  • Ordinance room, place for Latter Day Saint ordinances

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