Statute

stat·ute   (stāch'ōōt)    n.   A law enacted by a legislature. A decree or edict, as of a ruler. An established law or rule, as of a corporation. [Middle English, from Old French estatut, from Late Latin statūtum, from neuter of Latin statūtus, past participle of statuere, to set up, from status, position; see stā- in Indo-European roots.]

Main Entry: stat·ute
Pronunciation: 'sta-chüt
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin statutum law, regulation, from neuter of statutus, past participle of statuere to set up, station, from status position, state
1 : a law enacted by the legislative branch of a government —see also CODE, STATUTORY LAW
2 : an act of a corporation or its founder intended as a permanent rule
3 : an international instrument setting up an agency and regulating its scope or authority statute of the International Court of Justice>