Definitions For Decern

Verb

{{en-verb}} decide, Decide; determine; decree. (obsolete, transitive) Decide; determine (a matter dispute, disputed or doubtful). {{non-gloss definition, with simple object}} {{non-gloss definition, with infinitive or object clause}} {{non-gloss definition, intransitive}} (transitive) Decree by judicial sentence. {{non-gloss definition, Now a technical term of Scottish judicature; the use of the word decerns being necessary to constitute a decree.}} {{non-gloss definition, with simple object}} Decree by judicial sentence that something be done. Decree a person etc. to be or to do something by judicial sentence.  (in the phrase “to decern in”, obsolete) To mulct in by decree of court. 1668 July 3rd, w:james dalrymple, 1st viscount of stair, james dalrymple, “Thomas Rue contra Andrew Houſtoun” in The Deciſions of the Lords of Council & Seſſion I (Edinburgh, 1683), : He purſued Andrew Houſtoun upon his promiſe, to give him the like Sallary for the next year, and in abſence obtained him to be holden as confeſt and Decerned. {{non-gloss definition, intransitive}} {{non-gloss definition, transferred sense}} discern, Discern. (obsolete, transitive) distinguish, Distinguish or separate by their difference, differences (things that differ, one thing from another). (intransitive) Distinguish; discriminate between. See distinctly (with the eye, eyes or the mind); distinguish (an object or fact); discern.

Derived terms

decerning {{qualifier, verbal substantive}} decerniture {{qualifier, Scottish law}} decernment {{qualifier, obsolete}}

Related terms

decernent {{qualifier, obsolete}}

Etymology

First attested in late {{etyl, enm, -}} circa 1425; from the {{etyl, fr, en}} décerner, from the {{etyl, la, en}} dēcernō, , I decide, pronounce a decision, from dē, , of, from, away from + cernō, , I separate, distinguish, whence the {{cog, en, cern}}. In {{etyl, fro, -}}, the forms of décerner were frequently conflated with those of descerner, discerner; the two verbs were not clearly distinguished until the 16th century; hence, in {{etyl, en, -}} also, , decern is found with the sense discern.