Defn: An authoritative order or decree; especially, a letter of the pope, determining some point or question in ecclesiastical law. The decretals form the second part of the canon law.
2. (Canon Law)
Defn: The collection of ecclesiastical decrees and decisions made, by order of Gregory IX., in 1234, by St. Raymond of Pennafort.
DECRETE
De*crete", n. Etym: [L. decretum. See Decree.]
Defn: A decree. [Obs.] Chaucer.
DECRETION
De*cre"tion, n. Etym: [From L. decrescere, decretum. See Decrease.]
Defn: A decrease. [Obs.] Pearson.
DECRETIST De*cre"tist, n. Etym: [LL. decretista, fr. decretum: cf. F. décrétiste. See Decree, n.]
Defn: One who studies, or professes the knowledge of, the decretals.
DECRETIVE
De*cre"tive, a. Etym: [From L. decretum. See Decree, n.]