By-Laws
A New Law Dictionary and Glossary · Alexander M. Burrill · 1850
A New Law Dictionary and Glossary
[L. Lat. bilagines, bellagines, from by, a town.] Originally, the local laws of towns, or municipal corporations, as distinguished from the general laws of the land. See Bilagines. Now generally used to signify the private laws or regulations made by any corporation for its own government; which are binding upon it if made in conformity with the general law of the land; otherwise they are void.
1 Bl. Com. 475, 476.
2 Kent's Com. 296, and note.
Angell & Ames on Corp. 323, ch. 10.