n. & v.
--n.
1. an official order issued by a legal authority.
2 a judgement or decision of certain lawcourts, esp. in matrimonial cases.
--v.tr. (decrees, decreed, decreeing) ordain by decree.
Phrases and idioms:
decree absolute a final order for divorce, enabling either party to remarry. decree nisi a provisional order for divorce, made absolute unless cause to the contrary is shown within a fixed period.
Etymology: ME f. OF decr{eacute} f. L decretum neut. past part. of decernere decide (as DE-, cernere sift)