1. edict(n = noun.communication) - a formal or authoritative proclamation;
is a kind of announcement, annunciation, declaration, proclamation
2. edict(n = noun.communication) decree, fiat, order, rescript - a legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge); "a friend in New Mexico said that the order caused no trouble out there"
is a kind of act, enactment
has particulars: consent decree, curfew, decree nisi, imperial decree, judicial separation, legal separation, programma, ban, prohibition, proscription, stay, bull, papal bull
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]
edict, n. an order proclaimed by authority.
Derivative:
edictal adj.
Etymology:
ME f. L edictum f. edicere proclaim
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.