e·dict 
(ēdĭkt′)
(ēdĭkt′)n.
1. A decree or proclamation issued by an authority and having the force of law.
2. A formal pronouncement or command.
[Latin ēdictum, from neuter past participle of ēdīcere, to declare : ē-, ex-, ex- + dīcere, to speak; see deik- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]