blue law

noun

1. any puritanical law that forbids certain practices, especially drinking or working on Sunday, dancing, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of blue law¹

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Example Sentences

It is obviously impossible to pass a blue law compelling parents to conform to—what ideal?

From Project Gutenberg

After all, are we so far removed from the blue-law regime of early New England?

From Project Gutenberg

I tell you it's dead wrong to force this blue law upon the people.

From Project Gutenberg

For example, according to a Puritan Blue Law it was a criminal offense to smoke within ten miles of any habitation.

From Project Gutenberg

A favorite assertion was that I was enforcing a ‘blue law,’ an obsolete law that had never before been enforced.

From Project Gutenberg