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decree - 7 dictionary results

de⋅cree

[di-kree] noun, verb, -creed, -cree⋅ing.
–noun
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.
–verb (used with object), verb (used without object)
4. to command, ordain, or decide by decree.

Origin:
1275–1325; (n.) ME decre < AF decre, decret < L dēcrētum, n. use of neut. of dēcrētus, ptp. of dēcernere; see decern; (v.) ME decreen, deriv. of the n.
de·cree   (dĭ-krē')   
n.  
  1. An authoritative order having the force of law.
  2. Law The judgment of a court of equity, admiralty, probate, or divorce.
  3. Roman Catholic Church
    1. A doctrinal or disciplinary act of an ecumenical council.
    2. An administrative act applying or interpreting articles of canon law.
v.   de·creed, de·cree·ing, de·crees

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.

Decree

De*cree"\, n. [OE. decre, F. d['e]cret, fr. L. decretum, neut. decretus, p. p. of decernere to decide; de- + cernere to decide. See Certain, and cf. Decreet, Decretal.]

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?? decision. "The decrees of Venice." --Sh???.

There went out a decree from C[ae]sar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. --Luke ii. 1.

Poor hand, why quiverest thou at this decree? --Shak.

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.

3. (Eccl.) An edict or law made by a council for regulating any business within their jurisdiction; as, the decrees of ecclesiastical councils.

Syn: Law; regulation; edict; ordinance. See Law.

Decree

De*cree"\, v. 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 property.

Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee. --Job xxii. 28.

2. To ordain by fate.

Decree

De*cree"\, v. i. To make decrees; -- used absolutely.

Father eternal! thine is to decree; Mine, both in heaven and earth to do thy will. --Milton.
Language Translation for : decree
Spanish: decreto,
German: der Erlaß,
Japanese: 法令

decree 
1303, from O.Fr. decre, variant of decret, from L. decretum, neut. of decretus, pp. of decernere "to decree, decide, pronounce a decision," from de- + cernere "to separate" (see crisis).

Main Entry: de·cree
Pronunciation: di-'krE
Function: noun
Etymology: Old French decré, from Latin decretum, from neuter of decretus, past participle of decernere to decide
1 : an order having the force of law decree>
2 : a judicial decision esp. in an equity or probate court; broadly : JUDGMENT decree> decree>
consent decree
: a decree entered by a court that is determined by the parties' agreement : a settlement between the parties that is subject to judicial approval and supervision; specifically : such a decree by which the accused agrees to cease alleged illegal activities without admitting guilt
decree nisi
; plural decrees nisi
: a provisional decree that will become final unless cause is shown why it should not
NOTE: Some states grant divorces using decrees nisi. The decree nisi creates a time period (as of 3 months) allowing for possible reconciliation or for completion of various arrangements (as custody).
decree pro con·fes·so
: a decree entered by a court based on a defendant's default and the presumption that the allegations are confessed —compare default judgment at JUDGMENT 1a
final decree
: a decree that disposes of an action by determining all matters in dispute including esp. the parties' rights —compare final judgment at JUDGMENT 1a
interlocutory decree
: a decree that is made during the course of an action and that does not settle all matters in dispute —decree verb
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