Definition

Noun: 1. A formal and authoritative order issued by a sovereign ruler, especially an emperor or empress: An "imperial decree" is a command or law proclaimed by a monarch with supreme authority over an empire. It carries the force of law and is a direct expression of the sovereign's will.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The emperor issued an imperial decree to lower taxes across the provinces.
  • According to the imperial decree, all citizens were required to observe the new religious festival.
  • The ambassador carried the imperial decree to the distant colony.

Advanced Usage

• "to issue an imperial decree": The formal act of proclaiming the sovereign's command.
  • The council convened to witness the queen issue the imperial decree.
• "by imperial decree": Indicates that something is mandated or established by the sovereign's formal order.
  • The city's name was changed by imperial decree.

Variants and Related Words

• Decree (n): A general term for an official order issued by a legal authority.
  • The judge's decree settled the legal dispute.
• Edict (n): A formal proclamation or command, often issued by a person in authority. This is a close synonym.
  • The king's edict was read in the town square.
• Proclamation (n): A public or official announcement.
  • The mayor made a proclamation declaring a day of celebration.

Synonyms

• Edict: An official order or proclamation.
• Mandate: An official command or authorization to do something.
• Fiat: A formal authorization or order.

Related Phrases

• Royal decree: A decree issued by a king or queen. (This is a related but distinct term, as "imperial" specifically relates to an empire.)
• Sovereign command: A direct order from a supreme ruler.

Noun

1. a decree issued by a sovereign ruler