Emily Dickinson Lexicon

LE'GAL, a. [Fr.; from L. legalis, from lex, legis, law.]

1. According to law; in conformity with law; as, a legal standard or test; a legal procedure.
2. Lawful; permitted by law; as, a legal trade. Any thing is legal which the laws do not forbid.
3. According to the law of works, as distinguished from free grace; or resting on works for salvation. – Scott. Milton.
4. Pertaining to law; created by law. The exception must be confined to legal crimes. – Paley. So we use the phrase, criminal law.