legislature English · revision 7281

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=1654}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˈlɛd͡ʒɪsləˌt͡ʃʊə/, /ˈlɛd͡ʒɪslət͡ʃə/ ''(UK)''; /ˈlɛd͡ʒɪˌsleɪt͡ʃɚ/ ''(US)''^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed from [[legislator]] and [[-ure]],^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)^(SOED 2002) on the pattern of [[judicature]].^(SOED 2002)^(NODE 1998) NODE derives it from [[legislation]].^(NODE 1998)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ A body of lawmakers; the power that makes laws: the 1670s in Etymonline, before 1676 in the OED;^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) MWU dates it to 1654.^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Johnson defined it as the power that makes laws.^(OED 1989)^(Johnson 1755) The exercise of legislative power is an obsolete sense of the early 18th century.^(OED 1989) In the United States it is the usual word for a state lawmaking body.^(AHD)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1654 – first use (MWU).^(MWU 2024)

+ * 1670s – a lawmaking body.^(Etymonline)

+ * early 18th century – legislation (obsolete).^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # A body of people with the power to make, change or repeal laws.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[legislator]]

+ * [[legislation]]

+ * [[legislate]]

+ * [[legal]]

+ * [[judicature]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}