Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Decree
De-cree′
,Noun.
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[GREEK][GREEK] decision.
“The decrees of Venice.” Sh[GREEK][GREEK][GREEK].
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
? Shakespeare
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.
Syn. – Law; regulation; edict; ordinance. See
Law
. De-cree′
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Decreed
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Decreeing
.] 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 propertyThou shalt also
decree
a thing, and it shall be established unto thee. Job xxii. 28.
2.
To ordain by fate.
De-cree′
,Verb.
I.
To make decrees; – used absolutely.
Father eternal! thine is to
Mine, both in heaven and earth to do thy will.
decree
;Mine, both in heaven and earth to do thy will.
Milton.
Webster 1828 Edition
Decree
DECREE
,Noun.
1.
Judicial decision, or determination of a litigated cause; as a decree of the court of chancery. The decision of a court of equity is called a decree; that of a court of law, a judgment.2.
In the civil law, a determination or judgment of the emperor on a suit between parties.3.
An edict or law made by a council for regulating any business within their jurisdiction; as the decrees of ecclesiastical councils.4.
In general, an order, edict or law made by a superior as a rule to govern inferiors.There went a decree from Cesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. Luke ii.
5.
Established law, or rule.He made a decree for the rain. Job xxviii.
6.
In theology, predetermined purpose of God; the purpose or determination of an immutable Being, whose plan of operations is, like himself, unchangeable.DECREE
, v.t.1.
To determine judicially; to resolve by sentence; as, the court decreed that the property should be restored; or they decreed a restoration of the property.2.
To determine or resolve legislatively; to fix or appoint; to set or constitute by edict or in purpose.Thou shalt decree a thing, and it shall be established. Job xxii.
Let us not be solicitous to know what God has decreed concerning us.
Definition 2024
decree
decree
English
Noun
decree (plural decrees)
- An edict or law.
- Bible, Luke ii. 1
- There went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
- Shakespeare
- Poor hand, why quiverest thou at this decree?
- Bible, Luke ii. 1
- (law) The judicial decision in a litigated cause rendered by a court of equity.
- (law) The determination of a cause in a court of admiralty or court of probate.
Usage notes
- (Can we clean up(+) this sense?) It is accurate to use the word judgment for a decision of a court of law, and decree from a court of equity, although the former term now includes both.
Derived terms
- consent decree
- decree nisi
- final decree
- interlocutory decree
Translations
edict or law
judicial decision
Verb
decree (third-person singular simple present decrees, present participle decreeing, simple past and past participle decreed)
- To command by a decree.
- A court decrees a restoration of property.
- Bible, Job xxii. 28
- Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee.
Translations
to command by a decree