expression, godan verb (-ku)
promulgate a law; enact a law
Formal expression used when a government or authority officially puts a law into effect. Often seen in legal or historical contexts.
政府は新しい法令を敷いた。
The government promulgated a new law.
More common and neutral way to say 'enact a law'. 法令を敷く is more formal and somewhat literary.
Fixed expression combining 法令 (law, ordinance) with 敷く (to spread, lay down), metaphorically extending to 'putting a law into effect'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.