Halacha

Webster's Dictionary

(n.) The general term for the Hebrew oral or traditional law; one of two branches of exposition in the Midrash. See Midrash.

The Nuttall Encyclopedia

The Jewish law as developed into validity by the decisions of the Scribes, on the basis of inferential reasoning or established custom; it was of higher authority than the law as written, though not held valid till sanctioned by a majority of the doctors.