Decree word meaning and definition

[noun] 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"
[verb] decide with authority
[verb] issue or demand by 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}.
\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.

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