decree

Plural: decrees

Noun

• a legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge)
• An edict or law.
• The judicial decision in a litigated cause rendered by a court of equity.
• The determination of a cause in a court of admiralty or court of probate.
• A predetermination made by God; an act of providence.

Verb

Verb Forms: decreed, decreeing, decrees

• To order or establish something by official command.
• issue a decree
  • "The King only can decree"
• decide with authority
  • "The King decreed that all firstborn males should be killed"
• To command by a decree.

Examples

• A court decrees a restoration of property.
• The Scrabble judge would often DECREE which words were valid in a dispute.

Synonyms

edict, fiat, order, rescript, rule

Anagrams of decree