Illegal

Not authorized by law; illicit; unlawful; contrary to law. Sometimes this term means merely that which lacks authority of or support from law; but more frequently it imports a violation. Etymologically, the word seems to convey the negative meaning only. But in ordinary use it has a severer, stronger signification; the idea of censure or condemnation for breaking law is usually presented. But the law implied in illegal is not necessarily an express statute. Things are called "illegal" for violation of common-law principles. And the term does not imply that the act spoken of is immoral or wicked; it implies only a breach of the law.

1 Abb. Pr. (N. S.) 432; 45 N. H. 196; Id. 311; 3 Sneed, 64.