decern
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
verb
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Scots law to decree or adjudge
-
an archaic spelling of discern
Etymology
Origin of decern
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”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"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
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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
