rescript
noun
re·script ˈrē-ˌskript 
1
: a written answer of a Roman emperor or of a pope to a legal inquiry or petition
2
: an official or authoritative order, decree, edict, or announcement
3
: an act or instance of rewriting
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When Should You Use rescript?
Rescript was first used in the 15th century for the written reply of a sovereign or pope to a question about some matter of law or state, and then for any type of authoritative declaration. Since the 19th century, however, it has also seen use as a synonym of rewrite. Charlotte Brontë, for one, used the word this way in her novel Villette. "I wrote [the letter] three times ... subduing the phrases at every rescript," her narrator confesses.
Synonyms
- bull
- decree
- diktat
- directive
- edict
- fiat
- ruling
- ukase
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
even though there was never an official rescript ordering mass genocide, that was indeed the intent and effect of the government's policy
Recent Examples on the Web Soon, Duke writes, the rescript became associated with Japanese nationalism, a reverence for a divine emperor and a strict educational system. 
Erin Blakemore, Smithsonian, 10 Apr. 2017 At the time, the rescript served an important purpose. Erin Blakemore, Smithsonian, 10 Apr. 2017 At the time, the rescript served an important purpose. Erin Blakemore, Smithsonian, 10 Apr. 2017 Soon, Duke writes, the rescript became associated with Japanese nationalism, a reverence for a divine emperor and a strict educational system. Erin Blakemore, Smithsonian, 10 Apr. 2017 Conservatives see the rescript as a paean to traditional values; liberals as a throwback to a more authoritarian era. Jonathan Soble, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2017
Erin Blakemore, Smithsonian, 10 Apr. 2017 At the time, the rescript served an important purpose. Erin Blakemore, Smithsonian, 10 Apr. 2017 At the time, the rescript served an important purpose. Erin Blakemore, Smithsonian, 10 Apr. 2017 Soon, Duke writes, the rescript became associated with Japanese nationalism, a reverence for a divine emperor and a strict educational system. Erin Blakemore, Smithsonian, 10 Apr. 2017 Conservatives see the rescript as a paean to traditional values; liberals as a throwback to a more authoritarian era. Jonathan Soble, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2017 Word History
Etymology
Middle English rescripte, from Latin rescriptum, from neuter of rescriptus, past participle of rescribere to write in reply, from re- + scribere to write — more at scribe
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
rescript
noun
as in decree
an order publicly issued by an authority even though there was never an official rescript ordering mass genocide, that was indeed the intent and effect of the government's policy Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- decree
- edict
- ruling
- directive
- decision
- proclamation
- ukase
- fiat
- resolution
- declaration
- diktat
- opinion
- bull
- announcement
- verdict
- judgment
- diagnosis
- determination
- pronouncement
- dictum
- conclusion
- manifesto
- judgement
- deliverance
- encyclical
- call
- canon