Edict
EDICT (Lat. edictum, from e, out, and dicere, to say, speak), an order or proclamation issued under authority and having the force of law. The word is especially used of the promulgations of the Roman praetor (q.v.), of the Roman emperors, and also of the kings of France (see also Roman Law).
Note - this article incorporates content from Encyclopaedia Britannica, Eleventh Edition, (1910-1911)
