decree

Definition of decree

Noun

decree (plural decrees)

1. An edict or law.
2. (law) The judicial decision in a litigated cause rendered by a court of equity.
3. (law) The determination of a cause in a court of admiralty, or a court of probate.

• Note: It is accurate to use the word judgment for a decision of a court of law, and decree from a court of equity, although the former term now includes both.

Derived terms

• consent decree
• decree nisi
• final decree
• Interlocutory decree

Verb

to decree (third-person singular simple present decrees, present participle decreeing, simple past and past participle decreed)

1. To command by a decree.

Anagrams

• Anagrams of cdeeer
• recede

Further reading

A decree is a rule of law issued by a head of state (such as the president of a republic), according to certain procedures (usually established in a constitution). It has the force of law. The particular term used for this concept may vary from country to country-the executive orders made by the President of the United States, for example, are decrees (although a decree is not exactly an order). In non-legal English usage, however, the term refers to any authoritarian decision and, in this sense, it is often derogatory.

Other uses of the term

In some jurisdictions, certain types of court orders by judges are referred to as decrees.