outlaw etymology

Etymology:

The word "outlaw" has Old English origins:

  • "Ut" (out): Denoting separation, exclusion, or opposition
  • "Lag" (law): Meaning "to lie down" or "to follow"

Meaning:

An outlaw is a person who has been formally declared outside the protection of the law, typically due to a serious crime or violation of societal norms. An outlaw is considered an outcast and subject to punishment or even death if captured.

Origin:

The concept of outlawing individuals dates back to ancient societies, where individuals who committed grave offenses or threatened the community's order were cast out to fend for themselves.

Medieval England:

In medieval England, the process of outlawing was formalized through the writ of outlawry. A person accused of a felony, such as murder or theft, would be summoned to appear in court. If they failed to appear, they would be declared an outlaw. An outlaw lost all their legal rights, could be killed with impunity, and their property was forfeited to the Crown.

Other Uses:

The term "outlaw" has also been used in a broader sense to refer to:

  • Individuals or groups who operate outside the bounds of established laws or social conventions
  • Rebels or revolutionaries who actively oppose the state or ruling authority
  • Individuals who engage in activities considered unethical or illegal, such as criminals or outcasts

outlaw relate terms

  • statute

    Etymology The word statute comes from the Latin word statutum which means decree o

  • numismatic

    Etymology Numismatic is derived from the Latin word numisma which means coin It is

  • right

    Etymology The word right comes from the Old English word riht which is derived fro

  • felon

    Etymology The word felon originates from the Old French word felon which ultimately

  • malefactor

    Etymology From Middle English malefactour from Old French malfaitour ultimately from

  • illegitimate

    Etymology Illegitimate comes from the Latin words in not and legitimus lawful

  • banish

    Etymology The word banish comes from the Old French word banir which means to exile

  • proscribe

    Etymology The word proscribe comes from the Latin phrase pro scribere meaning to writ

  • reset

    Etymology The word reset has its roots in the Middle English word resetten which mea

  • recidivist

    Etymology Origin Latin Word recidīvus falling back relapsing Components re

  • forbid

    Etymology Old English forbeodan from Proto West Germanic farbaudan from Proto Ger

  • bootlegger

    Etymology bootlegger 1920s American English from bootleg n er agent noun