Meaning “sign”. Or an unwritten law [nomos], whereas a law [is] a written custom.[1]
[Note] that custom is not a discovery of men, but of life and time. And whereas law is comparable to tyranny, for each thing is accomplished due to fear and to a command, custom is rather [accomplished] due to philanthropy than to kingship. For all people follow custom willingly and without necessity.[2] And law is so full of justice and philanthropy that for unfortunate people it is more useful than what is generically convenient, for those who suffer injustice it is stronger than their own strength, for parents it is more favorable than sons, for children [more favorable] than parents, for brothers [more favorable] than brothers. For many people, in suffering an injustice by the action of their friends, take refuge in law. And there are even more things [sc. to say] about law.