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decree

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The definition of a decree is an official order or decision.

(noun)

An example of decree is the New York legislative decision making same sex marriage legal in New York in June of 2011.

See decree in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

an official order, edict, or decision, as of a church, government, court, etc.
something that is or seems to be foreordained

Origin: ME decre < OFr decret < L decretum, neut. of decretus, pp. of decernere, to decree < de-, from + cernere, to sift, judge: see certain

transitive verb decreed, decreeing

to order, decide, or appoint by decree or officially

intransitive verb

to issue a decree; ordain

See decree in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

An authoritative order having the force of law.
Law The judgment of a court of equity, admiralty, probate, or divorce.
Roman Catholic Church
a. A doctrinal or disciplinary act of an ecumenical council.
b. An administrative act applying or interpreting articles of canon law.

verb de·creed, de·cree·ing, de·crees

verb, transitive

To ordain, establish, or decide by decree. See Synonyms at dictate.

verb, intransitive

To issue a decree.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English decre

Origin: , from Old French decret

Origin: , from Latin dēcrētum, principle, decision

Origin: , from

Origin: neuter past participle of dēcernere, to decide

Origin: : dē-, de-