Word Study
edict
CIDE DICTIONARY
edict, n. [L. edictum, fr. edicere, edictum, to declare, proclaim; e out + dicere to say: cf. F. édit. See Diction.].
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. [1913 Webster]
"It stands as an edict in destiny." [1913 Webster]
Syn. -- Decree; proclamation; law; ordinance; statute; rule; order; manifesti; command. See Law.
OXFORD DICTIONARY
edict, n. an order proclaimed by authority.
Derivative
edictal adj.
Etymology
ME f. L edictum f. edicere proclaim
THESAURUS
edict
act, announcement, annunciation, appointment, bill, brevet, bull, bulletin board, bylaw, canon, circular, communique, declaration, decree, decree-law, decreement, decretal, decretum, dictate, dictation, dictum, diktat, directive, edictum, enactment, encyclical, enunciation, fiat, form, formality, formula, formulary, institution, instrument, ipse dixit, jus, law, legislation, lex, manifesto, measure, notice, notification, order, ordinance, ordonnance, position paper, precept, prescript, prescription, proclamation, program, programma, pronouncement, pronunciamento, public notice, regulation, report, rescript, rubric, rule, ruling, senatus consult, senatus consultum, standing order, statement, statute, ukase, white book, white paperROGET THESAURUS
edict
Command
N command, order, ordinance, act, fiat, hukm, bidding, dictum, hest, behest, call, beck, nod, despatch, dispatch, message, direction, injunction, charge, instructions, appointment, fixture, demand, exaction, imposition, requisition, claim, reclamation, revendication, ultimatum, request, requirement, dictation, dictate, mandate, caveat, decree, senatus consultum, precept, prescript, rescript, writ, ordination, bull, ex cathedra pronouncement, edict, decretal, dispensation, prescription, brevet, placit, ukase, ukaz, firman, hatti- sherif, warrant, passport, mittimus, mandamus, summons, subpoena, nisi prius, interpellation, citation, word, word of command, mot d'ordre, bugle call, trumpet call, beat of drum, tattoo, order of the day, enactment, plebiscite, commanding, authoritative, decretory, decretive, decretal, callable, jussive, in a commanding tone, by a stroke of the pen, by a dash of the pen, by order, at beat of drum, on the first summons, the decree is gone forth, sic volo sic jubeo, le Roi le veut, boutez en avant.For further exploring for "edict" in Webster Dictionary Online