1283, bilage "local ordinance," from O.N. or O.Dan. bi-lagu "town law," from byr "place where people dwell, town, village," from bua "to dwell" + lagu "law." So, a local law pertaining to local residents, or rule of a corporation or association.
Main Entry: by·law Pronunciation: 'bI-"lo Function: noun Etymology: Middle English bilagebilawe local law, probably ultimately from Old Norse byr town + log law 1: a rule adopted by an organization chiefly for the government of its members and the management of its affairs 2: a local ordinance —often used in pl.
[bahy-law] 
