Definitions For Decern

Verb

decide, Decide; determine; decree. (obsolete, transitive) Decide; determine (a matter dispute, disputed or doubtful). (transitive) Decree by judicial sentence. 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. 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 decerniture decernment

Related terms

decernent

Etymology

First attested in late circa 1425; from the décerner, from the dēcernō, , I decide, pronounce a decision, from dē, , of, from, away from + cernō, , I separate, distinguish, whence the . In , 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 also, , decern is found with the sense discern.