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Illicit vs Licit
Licit is far less common than its antonym illicit, but you probably won't be surprised to learn that the former is the older of the two. Not by much, though: the first known use of licit in print is from 1483, whereas illicit shows up in print for the first time in 1506. For some reason illicit took off while licit just plodded along. When licit appears these days, it often modifies drugs or crops. Meanwhile, illicit shows up before words like thrill and passion (as well as gambling, relationship, activities, and, of course, drugs and crops.) The Latin word licitus, meaning "lawful," is the root of the pair; licitus itself is from licēre, meaning "to be permitted."
lawful, legal, legitimate, licit mean being in accordance with law.
lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon).
legal applies to what is sanctioned by law or in conformity with the law, especially as it is written or administered by the courts.
legitimate may apply to a legal right or status but also, in extended use, to a right or status supported by tradition, custom, or accepted standards.
licit applies to a strict conformity to the provisions of the law and applies especially to what is regulated by law.
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“Licit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/licit. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Legal Definition
licit
adjective
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