1. a written law passed by a legislative body: "violation of the hate crimes statute"
▪ a rule of an organization or institution: "the appointment will be subject to the statutes of the university"
▪ (in biblical use) a law or decree made by a sovereign, or by God.
Word OriginMiddle English: from Old French statut, from late Latin statutum, neuter past participle of Latin statuere ‘set up’ from status ‘standing’ (see status).
