legislature

[ lej-is-ley-cher ]

noun

1. a deliberative body of persons, usually elective, who are empowered to make, change, or repeal the laws of a country or state; the branch of government having the power to make laws, as distinguished from the executive and judicial branches of government.

legislature

/ ˈlɛdʒɪsˌleɪtʃə /

noun

1. a body of persons vested with power to make, amend, and repeal laws Compare executive judiciary

Other Words From

• sub·legis·lature noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of legislature¹

First recorded in 1670–80; legislat(or) + -ure

Related Words

• body
• chamber
• house
• parliament