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Outlawry for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: 'aʊt,lɔri

What does Outlawry really mean?

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Outlawry is a word that has an interesting history and carries multiple meanings. When we hear the word "outlawry," what usually comes to mind is a person who has broken the law and is considered a criminal. While that is indeed one definition of outlawry, it goes beyond just breaking the law. Think of it as a more serious level of disobedience, where someone intentionally acts against the established laws and regulations of a society or community. In other words, they are not just casually breaking the rules but are openly defiant and resistant to the system that governs their actions.

Imagine if we compare breaking a rule to accidentally spilling a glass of water. That's a minor mistake that can happen to anyone. However, when someone engages in outlawry, it's like intentionally flipping the entire water bottle and making a mess on purpose, disregarding the consequences and showing a complete disregard for order and authority. That's why outlawry carries such a strong negative connotation.

But there is also another historical definition of outlawry that we should explore. Back in medieval times, when societies were structured differently, an individual could be declared an outlaw through a legal process. This meant they were stripped of their legal rights and protection, essentially becoming an "outside law." They were no longer recognized as a part of the society and were denied the rights and privileges that others enjoyed. This form of outlawry was a severe punishment imposed by the legal system to isolate and punish those who were seen as a threat to the community or its order.

So, to summarize, outlawry refers to someone who deliberately and rebelliously acts against the laws and regulations of society, displaying a total disregard for authority. It can also refer to a historical practice of declaring someone an outlaw, effectively stripping them of legal protection and social integration as a punishment.


Revised and Fact checked by William Taylor on 2023-10-29 15:09:38

Outlawry In a sentece

Learn how to use Outlawry inside a sentece

  • In the past, stealing someone else's property was considered a very serious crime and could result in outlawry, where the person would be declared outside the protection of the law.
  • During the Wild West era, there were many outlaws who would rob banks and stagecoaches, breaking the law and living outside of society.
  • Outlawry was often used as a punishment for those who committed treason, which means betraying their own country by working against it.
  • In some countries, the act of smoking in public places has been outlawed, meaning it's against the law and people can be fined for doing it.
  • In the game of football, players are not allowed to use their hands to touch the ball, and if they do, it's considered an outlawry and the other team is awarded a penalty.

Outlawry Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Outlawry Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.