DECREE, n. [L. To judge; to divide.] 1. Judicial decision, or determination of a litigated cause; as a decree of the court of chancery. The decision of a court of equity is called a decree; that of a court of law, a judgment.2. In the civil law, a determination or judgment of the emperor on a suit between parties.3. An edict or law made by a council for regulating any business within their jurisdiction; as the decrees of ecclesiastical councils.4. In general, an order, edict or law made by a superior as a rule to govern inferiors.There went a decree from Cesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. Luke ii.5. Established law, or rule.He made a decree for the rain. Job xxviii.6. In theology, predetermined purpose of God; the purpose or determination of an immutable Being, whose plan of operations is, like himself, unchangeable.DECREE, v.t. 1. To determine judicially; to resolve by sentence; as, the court decreed that the property should be restored; or they decreed a restoration of the property.2. To determine or resolve legislatively; to fix or appoint; to set or constitute by edict or in purpose.Thou shalt decree a thing, and it shall be established. Job xxii.Let us not be solicitous to know what God has decreed concerning us.
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