Definition

1. Noun:
   • A written document that has been written again or copied: A rescript is a revised or rewritten version of a text.
   • The act of rewriting something: It can refer to the process of composing a text anew.
   • An official order or decree, especially one issued by a ruler or government: A rescript is a formal, authoritative command or decision, often having legal force.
   • A formal written reply from a Pope on a question of law or doctrine: In a religious context, a rescript is an official answer from the Pope concerning ecclesiastical law or morality.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The editor submitted a rescript of the manuscript, which was much clearer than the original draft.
  • The issuance of the imperial rescript commanded the immediate mobilization of troops.
  • The bishop sought guidance from the Vatican and received a papal rescript on the matter.

Advanced Usage

• Legal and Historical Context: In Roman and later imperial contexts, a rescript was an authoritative written answer from the emperor to a legal question, which then served as a precedent.
  • The emperor's rescript on property rights was cited in courts for centuries.
• Ecclesiastical Context: In the Catholic Church, a rescript is a written response from the Pope or a curial department granting a favor or clarifying doctrine.
  • The rescript from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith clarified the application of the canon law.

Variants and Related Words

• Rescription (n, rare): The act of writing back or in reply.
• Rescriptive (adj): Having the nature of a rescript; answering by writing.

Synonyms

• Rewriting (n): The action of writing again.
• Decree (n): An official order issued by a legal authority.
• Edict (n): An official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority.
• Mandate (n): An official order or commission to do something.

Related Phrases

• To issue a rescript: The formal act of proclaiming or sending out an official written order or reply.
  • The government issued a rescript outlining the new tax regulations.

Noun

1. something that has been written again
   • the rewrite was much better
2. the act of rewriting something
3. 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
4. a reply by a Pope to an inquiry concerning a point of law or morality