The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Legalize \Le"gal*ize\ (l[=e]"gal*[imac]z), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
   Legalized (-[imac]zd); p. pr. & vb. n. Legalizing
   (-[imac]`z[i^]ng).] [Cf. F. l['e]galiser.]
   1. To make legal.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Theol.) To interpret or apply in a legal spirit.
      [1913 Webster]