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decreed

 - 4 dictionary results

de⋅cree

  [di-kree] noun, verb, -creed, -cree⋅ing.
Use decreed in a Sentence
–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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To decreed
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.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

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).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

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
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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