canonical vs legal

canonical

adj
  • In conformity with canon law. 

  • In canonical form. 

  • Distinguished among entities of its kind, so that it can be picked out in a way that does not depend on any arbitrary choices. 

  • Part of canon (“the main continuity of a fictional universe”). 

  • Stated or used in the most basic and straightforwardly applicable manner. 

  • Prototypical. 

  • In the form of a canon. 

  • Of or pertaining to an ecclesiastical chapter 

  • Present in a canon, religious or otherwise. 

  • According to recognised or orthodox rules. 

noun
  • The formal robes of a priest. 

  • A URL presented in canonical form. 

legal

adj
  • Having its basis in the law. 

  • Relating to the law or to lawyers. 

  • Being allowed or prescribed by law. 

  • Above the age of consent or the legal drinking age. 

  • Following the rules or syntax of a system, such as a game or a programming language. 

  • (of paper or document layouts) Measuring 8½ in × 14 in (215.9 mm × 355.6 mm) (also legal-size). 

noun
  • Paper in sheets 8½ in × 14 in (215.9 mm × 355.6 mm). 

  • The legal department of a company. 

  • Somebody who immigrated lawfully. 

  • A spy who is attached to, and ostensibly employed by, an embassy, military outpost, etc. 

How often have the words canonical and legal occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )