1. allowed by law; legal
2. acting in accordance with the law; law-abiding

Examples

• The protest was completely lawful and peaceful.
• Citizens have a lawful right to free speech.
• The police conducted a lawful search of the premises.
• It is lawful to carry certain items on airplanes.
• The company’s business practices were found to be lawful.
• She was a lawful resident of the country for ten years.
• The judge ruled that the contract was lawful and binding.