decree Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge)
    edict; fiat; order; rescript.
    • a friend in New Mexico said that the order caused no trouble out there
  2. verb issue a decree
    • The King only can decree
  3. verb decide with authority
    rule.
    • The King decreed that all firstborn males should be killed

WordNet

De*cree" noun
Etymology
OE. decre, F. décret, fr. L. decretum, neut. decretus, p. p. of decernere to decide; de- + cernere to decide. See Certain, and cf. Decreet, Decretal.
Definitions
  1. An order from one having authority, deciding what is to be done by a subordinate; also, a determination by one having power, deciding what is to be done or to take place; edict, law; authoritative ru decision. "The decrees of Venice." Sh.
    There went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. Luke ii. 1.
    Poor hand, why quiverest thou at this decree? Shak.
  2. (Law) (a) A decision, order, or sentence, given in a cause by a court of equity or admiralty. (b) A determination or judgment of an umpire on a case submitted to him. Brande.
  3. (Eccl.) An edict or law made by a council for regulating any business within their jurisdiction; as, the decrees of ecclesiastical councils. Syn. -- Law; regulation; edict; ordinance. See Law.
De*cree" transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Decreed ; present participle & verbal noun Decreeing
Definitions
  1. To determine judicially by authority, or by decree; to constitute by edict; to appoint by decree or law; to determine; to order; to ordain; as, a court decrees a restoration of property.
    Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee. Job xxii. 28.
  2. To ordain by fate.
De*cree" intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To make decrees; -- used absolutely.
    Father eternal! thine is to decree; Mine, both in heaven and earth to do thy will. Milton.

Webster 1913