Main Difference
The main difference between Decree and Edict is that the Decree is a rule of law usually issued by a head of state and Edict is a announcement of a law, often associated with monarchism
Decree vs. Edict
ADVERTISEMENT
-
Decree
A decree is a rule of law usually issued by a head of state (such as the president of a republic or a monarch), according to certain procedures (usually established in a constitution). It has the force of law. The particular term used for this concept may vary from country to country. The executive orders made by the President of the United States, for example, are decrees (although a decree is not exactly an order). In non-legal English usage, however, the term refers to any authoritarian decision. Documents or archives in the format of royal decrees or farming were issued by rulers.
-
Edict
An edict is a decree or announcement of a law, often associated with monarchism, but it can be under any official authority. Synonyms include dictum and pronouncement.
Edict derives from the Latin edictum.
Wikipedia
ADVERTISEMENT
Decree (noun)
An edict or law.
Decree (noun)
The judicial decision in a litigated cause rendered by a court of equity.
Decree (noun)
The determination of a cause in a court of admiralty or court of probate.
Decree (verb)
To command by a decree.
"A court decrees a restoration of property."
Edict (noun)
A command.
Wiktionary
ADVERTISEMENT
Decree (noun)
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.
Decree (noun)
A decision, order, or sentence, given in a cause by a court of equity or admiralty.
Decree (noun)
An edict or law made by a council for regulating any business within their jurisdiction; as, the decrees of ecclesiastical councils.
Decree
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.
Decree
To ordain by fate.
Decree (verb)
To make decrees; - used absolutely.
Edict (noun)
A public command or ordinance by the sovereign power; the proclamation of a law made by an absolute authority, as if by the very act of announcement; a decree; as, the edicts of the Roman emperors; the edicts of the French monarch.
Webster Dictionary
Decree (noun)
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"
Decree (verb)
issue a decree;
"The King only can decree"
Decree (verb)
decide with authority;
"The King decreed that all first-born males should be killed"
Edict (noun)
a formal or authoritative proclamation
Edict (noun)
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"
Princeton's WordNet
Decree Illustrations
