noun, verb, -creed, -cree⋅ing.| 1. | a formal and authoritative order, esp. one having the force of law: a presidential decree. |
| 2. | Law. a judicial decision or order. |
| 3. | Theology. one of the eternal purposes of God, by which events are foreordained. |
| 4. | to command, ordain, or decide by decree. |

de·cree (dĭ-krē') n.
v. tr. To ordain, establish, or decide by decree. See Synonyms at dictate. v. intr. To issue a decree. [Middle English decre, from Old French decret, from Latin dēcrētum, principle, decision, from neuter past participle of dēcernere, to decide : dē-, de- + cernere, to sift; see krei- in Indo-European roots.] de·cree'a·ble adj., de·cre'er n. |