It [the river] flows and flows, and yet will flow,
Volume decreaseless to the final hour.
A. Seward.
De*creas"ing, a. Becoming less and less; diminishing. -- De*creas"ing*ly, adv.
Decreasing series (Math.), a series in which each term is numerically smaller than the preceding term.
De`cre*a"tion (?), n. Destruction; -- opposed to creation. [R.] Cudworth.
De*cree" (?), n. [OE. decre, F. décret, fr. L. decretum, neut. decretus, p. p. of decernere to decide; de- + cernere to decide. See Certain, and cf. Decreet, Decretal.] 1. An order from one having authority, deciding what is to be done by a subordinate; also, a determination by one having power, deciding what is to be done or to take place; edict, law; authoritative ru&?;&?; decision. "The decrees of Venice." Sh&?;&?;&?;.
There went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
Luke ii. 1.
Poor hand, why quiverest thou at this decree?
Shak.
2. (Law) (a) A decision, order, or sentence, given in a cause by a court of equity or admiralty. (b) A determination or judgment of an umpire on a case submitted to him. Brande.
3. (Eccl.) An edict or law made by a council for regulating any business within their jurisdiction; as, the decrees of ecclesiastical councils.
Syn. -- Law; regulation; edict; ordinance. See Law.
De*cree" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Decreed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Decreeing.] 1. To determine judicially by authority, or by decree; to constitute by edict; to appoint by decree or law; to determine; to order; to ordain; as, a court decrees a restoration of property.
Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee.
Job xxii. 28.