De*cide" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Decided; p. pr. & vb. n. Deciding.] [L. decidere; de- + caedere to cut, cut off; prob. akin to E. shed, v.: cf. F. d'ecider. Cf. Decision.]

1.

To cut off; to separate.

[Obs.]

Our seat denies us traffic here; The sea, too near, decides us from the rest. Fuller.

2.

To bring to a termination, as a question, controversy, struggle, by giving the victory to one side or party; to render judgment concerning; to determine; to settle.

So shall thy judgment be; thyself hast decided it. 1 Kings xx. 40.

The quarrel toucheth none but us alone; Betwixt ourselves let us decide it then. Shak.

 

© Webster 1913.


De*cide", v. i.

To determine; to form a definite opinion; to come to a conclusion; to give decision; as, the court decided in favor of the defendant.

Who shall decide, when doctors disagree? Pope.

 

© Webster 1913.

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