Etymology

blue law

Today it means: A restrictive religious-based law in colonial New England, especially preventing leisure activities on a Sunday. Full definition →

First used 18th c.
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The story

Unknown.

First known use, by meaning

  • from 18th c. A restrictive religious-based law in colonial New England, especially preventing leisure activities on a Sunday.
  • from 19th c. Any puritanical or restrictive law, especially one that prohibits or restricts commercial activity on a Sunday.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.