Definition: decree

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Source: WordNet (r) 1.7 

decree
     n : a legally binding command or decision entered on the court
         record (as if issued by a court or judge); "a friend in
         New Mexico said that the order caused no trouble out
         there" [syn: edict, fiat, order, rescript]
     v 1: issue or demand by decree
     2: decide with authority [syn: rule]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) 

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"\, 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. i.
   To make decrees; -- used absolutely.

         Father eternal! thine is to decree; Mine, both in
         heaven and earth to do thy will.         --Milton.