Definition of: ordinance

(ôr′də·nəns) noun
1. An authoritative rule; an order, decree, or law of a municipal body.
2. A religious rite or ceremony.
3. Archit. A system of arrangement.
4. A law or command of God, or a decree of fate.
5. Obs. Order, as arrangement, disposition, rank, position, array, provision, or preparation.
6. Obs. The act of devising, arranging, or contriving plans; a design or device. See synonyms under LAW¹, SACRAMENT. [<OF ordenace <Med. L ordinantia <L ordinans, -antis, ppr. of ordinare ORDAIN]