Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Decree \De*cree"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Decreed}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Decreeing}.]
   1. To determine judicially by authority, or by decree; to
      constitute by edict; to appoint by decree or law; to
      determine; to order; to ordain; as, a court decrees a
      restoration of property.

            Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be
            established unto thee.                --Job xxii.
                                                  28.

   2. To ordain by fate.

Decree \De*cree"\, n. [OE. decre, F. d['e]cret, fr. L. decretum,
   neut. decretus, p. p. of decernere to decide; de- + cernere
   to decide. See {Certain}, and cf. {Decreet}, {Decretal}.]
   1. An order from one having authority, deciding what is to be
      done by a subordinate; also, a determination by one having
      power, deciding what is to be done or to take place;
      edict, law; authoritative ru?? decision. ``The decrees of
      Venice.'' --Sh???.

            There went out a decree from C[ae]sar Augustus that
            all the world should be taxed.        --Luke ii. 1.

            Poor hand, why quiverest thou at this decree?
                                                  --Shak.

   2. (Law)
      (a) A decision, order, or sentence, given in a cause by a
          court of equity or admiralty.
      (b) A determination or judgment of an umpire on a case
          submitted to him. --Brande.

   3. (Eccl.) An edict or law made by a council for regulating
      any business within their jurisdiction; as, the decrees of
      ecclesiastical councils.

   Syn: Law; regulation; edict; ordinance. See {Law}.

Decree \De*cree"\, v. i.
   To make decrees; -- used absolutely.

         Father eternal! thine is to decree; Mine, both in
         heaven and earth to do thy will.         --Milton.

Source : WordNet®

decree
     v 1: issue a decree; "The King only can decree"
     2: decide with authority; "The King decreed that all first-born
        males should be killed" [syn: {rule}]

decree
     n : a legally binding command or decision entered on the court
         record (as if issued by a court or judge); "a friend in
         New Mexico said that the order caused no trouble out
         there" [syn: {edict}, {fiat}, {order}, {rescript}]