law·ful 
/ˈlɑ:fəl/ adjective
/ˈlɑ:fəl/ adjective formal 1 : allowed by the law
▪ lawful conduct ▪ a lawful search of the property — opposite unlawful 2 : according to the law
▪ They went to court to determine the property's lawful [=rightful, legal] owner.
▪ lawful conduct ▪ a lawful search of the property — opposite unlawful
▪ They went to court to determine the property's lawful [=rightful, legal] owner.
— law·ful·ly /ˈlɑ:fəli/ adverb
▪ Companies cannot lawfully [=legally] sell private medical information. ▪ In the wedding ceremony he was asked, “Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?” [=do you accept this woman as your wife according to the law?]
/ˈlɑ:fəli/ adverb ▪ Companies cannot lawfully [=legally] sell private medical information. ▪ In the wedding ceremony he was asked, “Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?” [=do you accept this woman as your wife according to the law?]
— law·ful·ness /ˈlɑ:fəlnəs/ noun [noncount]
/ˈlɑ:fəlnəs/ noun [noncount]
