Defn: Becoming less and less; diminishing. — De*creas"ing*ly, adv. Decreasing series (Math.), a series in which each term is numerically smaller than the preceding term.
DECREATION
De`cre*a"tion, n.
Defn: Destruction; — opposed to creation. [R.] Cudworth.
DECREE
De*cree", n. Etym: [OE. decre, F. décret, 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 "The decrees of Venice." Sh There went out a decree from Cæsar 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.)
Defn: 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. t. [imp. & p. p. Decreed; p. pr. & vb. n. Decreeing.]