—n.
1 an official order issued by a legal authority.
2 a judgement or decision of certain lawcourts, esp. in matrimonial cases.
—v.tr. (decrees, decreed, decreeing) ordain by decree.
Phrases and idioms:
decree absolute a final order for divorce, enabling either party to remarry. decree nisi a provisional order for divorce, made absolute unless cause to the contrary is shown within a fixed period.
Etymology: ME f. OF decreacute f. L decretum neut. past part. of decernere decide (as DE-, cernere sift)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.