Origin: Latin suffix -ance
Ordinance has 4 different meanings across 1 category:
an authoritative rule
"The new city ordinance requires all residents to separate their recycling from general trash."
a statute enacted by a city government
"The new city ordinance requires all residents to recycle their glass bottles."
the act of ordaining; the act of conferring (or receiving) holy orders
"the rabbi's family was present for his ordination"
A local law (US)
"The city council voted to pass a new ordinance banning plastic bags in all grocery stores."
The word ordinance entered English around 1300 via Middle English and Old French to mean a decree or command. It ultimately traces back to Medieval Latin, where it described something put into an orderly arrangement.