Dictionary of English - illegal or illicit

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Something illegal is forbidden by law: It is illegal for motocyclists not to wear a crash helmet. If a thing is illicit it is done by someone who knows that it is disallowed by law but that under different circumstances it could be legal: The crew were involved in the illicit import of brandy (it is basically legal to import brandy but not the way they did it).

The emblem reflects the Vatican's importance as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. The colours of the flag are based on the gold and silver of the papal keys. Effective date: 8 June 1929. >>