1766, in reference to Protestants, from dissident (adj.). In the political sense first used 1940, coinciding with the rise of 20c. totalitarian systems, especially with reference to the Soviet Union. Online Etymology Dictionary, Â© 2010 Douglas Harper Cite This Source
Decree (verb) 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 Decree (verb) to ordain by fate
ordinance(Noun) a religious practice or ritual prescribed by the church. Origin: From Middle English (ca. 1300), from Old French ordenance (Modern French ordonnance) decree, command, from Middle Latin ordinantia, from ordinans, the present participle of Latin ordinare put in order (whence ordain).