Legally

adv. [f. LEGAL + -LY².] In a legal manner; according to law, lawfully. Also, in a legal sense; from the point of view of law.

1561.  T. Norton, Calvin’s Inst., III. xxii. (1634), 460. Hee … bindeth not himselfe with a certaine law to call all men legallie.

1622.  T. Scott, Belg. Pismire, 1. That man might … performe actions … legally according to a rule.

1647.  Clarendon, Hist. Reb., II. § 68. The King was as Legally possessed of that Right, as of any thing else he had.

1713.  Berkeley, Hylas & Phil., iii. Wks. 1871, I. 332. Putting a criminal legally to death, is not thought sinful.

1766.  Goldsm., Vic. W., xxxi. I never was legally married to any woman.

1818.  Cruise, Digest (ed. 2), VI. 24. His trustees would be legally seised according to the uses of his will.

1834.  Pringle, Afr. Sk., v. 190. The laws of Holland had … prohibited the aborigines from being legally sold.

1845.  Sarah Austin, Ranke’s Hist. Ref., II. 213. They determined to pursue the matter legally before the judges.