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.
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" (?), 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.
Hear it pronounced