[f. LAW sb.1 + GIVING ppl. a.] That gives or makes laws. Also occas. that ‘gives the law’ to or determines.
1581. Sidney, Apol. Poetrie (Arb.), 22. In Turky, besides their lawe-giuing Diuines, they haue no other Writers but Poets.
1645. Milton, Tetrach., Wks. 1851, IV. 196. As if the will of God were becom sinfull, or sin stronger then his direct and Law-giving will.
1827. Hare, Guesses (1859), 310. Men would still worship the creature, under the form of abstractions and laws, instead of the living, lawgiving Creator.
1865. Grote, Plato, I. i. 11. The nature of number was imperative and lawgiving.
