Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
DECREE
I. noun see: certain
Date: 14th century
an order usually having the force of law,
2. a religious ordinance enacted by council or titular head, a foreordaining will,
3. a judicial decision of the Roman emperor, a judicial decision especially in an equity or probate court,
II. verb (decreed; decreeing)
Date: 14th century
transitive verb to command or enjoin by or as if by decree , to determine or order judicially , intransitive verb ordain , decreer noun