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Entry 6 senses · 3 variants Webster, 1913

Decree

/dĭk-rē'/ · De·cree · IPA /dɪˈkɹiː/
01 n. An order from one having authority, deciding what is to be done by a subordinate; also, a determination by one having power, deciding what …
  1. 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.
    “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. 2.
    A decision, order, or sentence, given in a cause by a court of equity or admiralty.(Law)
  3. 3.
    An edict or law made by a council for regulating any business within their jurisdiction; as, the decrees of ecclesiastical councils.(Eccl.)
Syn. Law; regulation; edict; ordinance. See Law.
02 v. t. To determine judicially by authority, or by decree; to constitute by edict; to appoint by decree or law; to determine; to order; to ordain;…
imp. & p. p. Decreed; p. pr. & vb. n. Decreeing
  1. 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. 2.
    To ordain by fate.
03 v. i. To make decrees; -- used absolutely.
  1. 1.
    To make decrees; -- used absolutely.
    “Father eternal! thine is to decree; Mine, both in heaven and earth to do thy will.” — Milton.