De*ci"sion (?), n. [L. decisio,
fr. decīdere, decisum: cf. F.
décision. See Decide.] 1.
Cutting off; division; detachment of a part. [Obs.]
Bp. Pearson.
2. The act of deciding; act of settling or
terminating, as a controversy, by giving judgment on the matter at
issue; determination, as of a question or doubt; settlement;
conclusion.
The decision of some dispute.
Atterbury.
3. An account or report of a conclusion,
especially of a legal adjudication or judicial determination of a
question or cause; as, a decision of arbitrators; a
decision of the Supreme Court.
4. The quality of being decided; prompt and
fixed determination; unwavering firmness; as, to manifest great
decision.
Syn. -- Decision, Determination,
Resolution. Each of these words has two meanings, one
implying the act of deciding, determining, or resolving; and the
other a habit of mind as to doing. It is in the last sense
that the words are here compared. Decision is a cutting
short. It implies that several courses of action have been
presented to the mind, and that the choice is now finally made. It
supposes, therefore, a union of promptitude and energy.
Determination is the natural consequence of decision. It is
the settling of a thing with a fixed purpose to adhere.
Resolution is the necessary result in a mind which is
characterized by firmness. It is a spirit which scatters
(resolves) all doubt, and is ready to face danger or suffering in
carrying out one's determinations. Martin Luther was equally
distinguished for his prompt decision, his steadfast
determination, and his inflexible resolution.
