De*cree" (?), n. [OE. decre, F.
décret, 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 Cæsar
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.
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.
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.
