How Do You Spell CORN-LAWS?

Pronunciation: [kˈɔːnlˈɔːz] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "corn-laws" can be confusing for those unfamiliar with British history. The word refers to legislation passed in the 19th century that imposed tariffs on imported grain in an effort to protect domestic agriculture. The word "corn" in this context refers specifically to grain, rather than the American definition of "corn" as maize. The pronunciation of "corn-laws" is /kɔːn lɔːz/, with a long "o" sound in "corn" and a shorter, more closed sound in "laws."

CORN-LAWS Meaning and Definition

1. The Corn Laws were a series of British legislations enacted during the early 19th century to protect domestic agriculture, primarily the corn or grain industry, by imposing import tariffs and restrictions on foreign grains. Also known as the Importation Act, these laws aimed to bolster the interests of the landed aristocracy, who held significant influence over agricultural policies at the time.

   The Corn Laws were first introduced in 1815 following the Napoleonic Wars, which coincided with a period of agricultural depression. These laws stipulated that foreign wheat could not be imported until domestic prices reached a certain level (the so-called "sliding scale") to protect British farmers and maintain high agricultural rents. The tariffs and regulations imposed were intended to shield farmers from cheap competition abroad and stabilize grain prices, ensuring better livelihoods for landowners.

   The implementation of the Corn Laws had significant social and economic ramifications. They sparked controversy and protests, as consumers faced higher food prices and manufacturers struggled with increased production costs due to inflated grain prices. These laws disproportionately affected the working class, who were forced to spend a significant portion of their income on basic food items while dealing with stagnant wages.

   The abolition of the Corn Laws in 1846 marked a turning point in British economic policy, as it led to the establishment of free trade principles and the removal of protectionist measures. This transition had far-reaching consequences, stimulating economic growth, enhancing consumer welfare, and significantly transforming the British agricultural landscape.

2. The laws regulating the duties on the import of grain.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CORN-LAWS

• xorn-laws
• vorn-laws
• forn-laws
• dorn-laws
• cirn-laws
• ckrn-laws
• clrn-laws
• cprn-laws
• c0rn-laws
• c9rn-laws
• coen-laws
• codn-laws
• cofn-laws
• cotn-laws
• co5n-laws
• co4n-laws
• corb-laws
• corm-laws
• corj-laws
• corh-laws

Etymology of CORN-LAWS

The word "corn-laws" is derived from the combination of two terms: "corn" and "laws".

The term "corn" is used in British English to refer to cereal crops, such as wheat, barley, oats, and rye. Originally, the word "corn" meant any type of grain or the leading cereal crop of a specific region. In the context of the British Isles, "corn" generally refers to wheat.

The term "laws" refers to regulations or statutes established by a governing body. In this case, "corn-laws" specifically refers to laws or regulations that were implemented in Britain during the 18th and 19th centuries to regulate the import and export of grain, specifically wheat.

The purpose of the corn-laws was to protect British agriculture by imposing tariffs on imported grain, making it more expensive and encouraging domestic production.