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.
Hear it pronounced