decern

UK: /dɪˈsɜːn/ US: (di sûrn′)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

de•cern  (di sûrn′), v.i. 

1. Law [Scots Law.] to enter a judicial decree.

v.t. 

2. [Archaic.] to discern.

• Latin dēcernere, equivalent. to dē- de- + cernere to separate, decide
• Old French decerner
• late Middle English decernen to decide 1400–50

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

decern / dɪˈsɜːn/ verb (transitive)

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

Etymology: 15th Century: from Old French decerner, from Latin dēcernere to judge, from cernere to discern