decern

[ dih-surn ]

verb (used without object)

1. Scots Law. to enter a judicial decree.

verb (used with object)

1. Archaic. to discern.

decern

/ dɪˈsɜːn /

verb

1. Scots law to decree or adjudge
2. an archaic spelling of discern

Word History and Origins

Origin of decern¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English decernen “to decide,” from Old French decerner, from Latin dēcernere, from dē- de- + cernere “to decide, separate, sift”

Word History and Origins

Origin of decern¹

C15: from Old French decerner, from Latin dēcernere to judge, from cernere to discern

Example Sentences

"I'll revise that condescendence, and decern as accords," replied the laird, turning half round, to deliver himself of this mystical response.

From Project Gutenberg

Though no person can now be imprisoned for ordinary debts, a creditor of a notour bankrupt may present a petition to the sheriff, praying him to decern that the debtor assign over all his goods for behoof of his creditors and that a trustee be appointed; and this proceeding is still designated a process of cessio bonorum.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet God forbid that the land should complay with him, quhatever may be the plauseable and faire carriage of some of that enimey, yet doubtless there is ane levin of error and hypocrassy amongest them wich all the lovers of treuth wold decern and avoyd.

From Project Gutenberg

Exactos, puer, esse decern tibi gratulor annos; Hactenus es matris cura patrisque decus.

From Project Gutenberg

I'm some employed placin' myse'f at the time, an' don't decern it none till Cherokee brings it over his shoulder like a stream of white light.

From Project Gutenberg