n. 1. An authoritative order having the force of law. 2. Law a. The judgment of a court of equity. b. The judgment of a court. 3. Roman Catholic Church a. A doctrinal or disciplinary act of an ecclesiastical authority. b. An administrative act applying or interpreting articles of canon law. v. de·creed, de·cree·ing, de·crees v.tr. To order, establish, or decide by decree: decreed that the two kingdoms would be united. v.intr. To issue a decree. [Middle English decre, from Old French decret, from Latin dēcrētum, principle, decision, from neuter past participle of dēcernere, to decide : dē-, de- + cernere, to sift; see krei- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] de·creea·ble adj. de·creer n. |
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