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. ]
There went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. Luke ii. 1. [ 1913 Webster ]
Poor hand, why quiverest thou at this decree? Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t.
Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee. Job xxii. 28. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. i. To make decrees; -- used absolutely. [ 1913 Webster ]
Father eternal! thine is to decree;
Mine, both in heaven and earth to do thy will. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Capable of being decreed. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. One who decrees. J. Goodwin. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ Cf. Decree. ] (Scots Law) The final judgment of the Court of Session, or of an inferior court, by which the question at issue is decided. [ 1913 Webster ]