Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - lawful

 adjective  Date: 14th century  1.  a. being in harmony with the law a ~ judgment  b. constituted, authorized, or established by law ; rightful ~ institutions  2. law-abiding ~ citizens  • ~ly adverb  • ~ness noun Synonyms:  ~, legal, legitimate, licit mean being in accordance with law. ~ may apply to conformity with law of any sort (as natural, divine, common, or canon) the ~ sovereign. legal applies to what is sanctioned by law or in conformity with the law, especially as it is written or administered by the courts legal residents of the state. legitimate may apply to a legal right or status but also, in extended use, to a right or status supported by tradition, custom, or accepted standards a perfectly legitimate question about taxes. licit applies to a strict conformity to the provisions of the law and applies especially to what is regulated by law the licit use of drugs by doctors.