I. də̇ˈkrē, dēˈ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French decré, decret, from Latin decretum, from neuter of decretus, past participle of decernere to decide, from de from, away + cernere to sift, discern, decide — more at de- , certain
1. : an order set forth by one having authority : authoritative decision : edict , law
he needs to act by executive decrees … during the next two months — Frank Gorrell
voluntarily entered into a decree which cut the price of potash — T.W.Arnold
2.
a.
(1) : an ordinance enacted by council or titular head concerning religious doctrine or discipline
a papal decree
(2) decrees plural : a collection of such religious rules
b. : the will of the Deity
God's decree
c. : something allotted by fate
3. : a judicial decision:
a. Roman law
(1) : a judicial decision of the emperor
(2) : a command of the praetor enjoining some act or forbearance
(3) : the judgment in a proceeding of praetorian cognizance
b.
(1) : a decision or sentence given in a cause by a court of equity, admiralty, probate, or divorce
(2) : judgment 2a(1)
c. Scots law : a final judgment of a civil court
II. verb
( decreed ; decreed ; decreeing ; decrees )
Etymology: Middle English decreen, from decree, n.
transitive verb
1. : to command or enjoin authoritatively : order or appoint by decree
decreed that pecan shellers should be paid a minimum of twenty-five cents an hour — Green Peyton
fashion used to be decreed by Paris — F.L.Allen
2.
a. : to settle or decide (a legal cause) by a judgment
b. : to determine or order judicially by authority or by decree : adjudge
3. archaic : to determine or decide mentally : resolve
intransitive verb
: to issue a decree : ordain
as my eternal purpose hath decreed — John Milton
Synonyms: see dictate