Legal \Le"gal\ (l[=e]"gal), a. [L. legalis, fr. lex, legis, law; prob. orig., that which lies or is fixed (cf. L. lectus bed), and if so akin to E. lie, law: cf. F. l['e]gal. Cf. Lie to be prostrate, Loyal, Leal.]

1. Created by, permitted by, in conformity with, or relating to, law; as, a legal obligation; a legal standard or test; a legal procedure; a legal claim; a legal trade; anything is legal which the laws do not forbid.

2. (Theol.)
   (a) According to the law of works, as distinguished from free grace; or resting on works for salvation.
   (b) According to the old or Mosaic dispensation; in accordance with the law of Moses.

3. (Law) Governed by the rules of law as distinguished from the rules of equity; as, legal estate; legal assets. --Bouvier. --Burrill.

Legal cap. See under Cap.

Legal tender.
   (a) The act of tendering in the performance of a contract or satisfaction of a claim that which the law prescribes or permits, and at such time and place as the law prescribes or permits.
   (b) That currency, or money, which the law authorizes a debtor to tender and requires a creditor to receive. It differs in different countries.

Syn: Lawful; constitutional; legitimate; licit; authorized. See Lawful.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)