Edict
/ˈiː.dɪkt/noun
A formal proclamation or command issued by an authority.
Did you know?The Roman practice of issuing edicts was a way to wield authority, with some declaring laws that could even alter the course of fate for citizens.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
edictum
“A spoken command or proclamation, often issued by a ruler.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
edicere
“To proclaim or announce formally, derived from 'ex-' (out) and 'dicere' (to say).”
Old French
Old French
edicte
“A formal announcement or decree, adopted from Latin.”
14th Century
Middle English
edict
“A decree or command, used in legal and religious contexts.”
Modern English
English
edict
“A formal order issued by an authority, retaining its original connotation of power and command.”
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