decern

American  

[dih-surn] / dɪˈsɜrn /

verb (used without object)

1. Scots Law. to enter a judicial decree.

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verb (used with object)

1. Archaic. to discern.

decern British  

/ dɪˈsɜːn /

verb

1. Scots law to decree or adjudge

2. an archaic spelling of discern

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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

"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