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
Divorce Decree. A divorce decree has the same information the divorce certificate does and summarized information from the divorce judgment. This document is signed by the judge and part of the divorce case file. Decrees also state the basic facts of the divorce and the court case number. For example, if one spouse was awarded spousal support, the decree will state which spouse pays and how much.