means The branch of government, usually an elected assembly, that makes, amends, and repeals the laws of a country, state, or other jurisdiction.

from From Latin legis (the genitive of lex, 'law') joined to a root meaning 'to bring forward' or 'to propose' — the same lego/latum family that gives us 'legislate' and 'legislator.' The word entered English in the 17th century, built to name the lawmaking body itself, the place where law is, quite literally, 'carried forward.' A close relative of 'legal,' 'legitimate,' and 'legacy' — all children of lex, the law.