Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) 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 rule or decision.

2. (n.) A decision, order, or sentence, given in a cause by a court of equity or admiralty.

3. (n.) A determination or judgment of an umpire on a case submitted to him.

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

5. (v. t.) 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.

6. (v. t.) To ordain by fate.

7. (v. i.) To make decrees; -- used absolutely.