Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DE-CIDE', v.t. [L. decido; de and cædo, to strike, to cut.]

1. Literally, to cut off, and thus to end. Hence,
2. To end; to determine, as a controversy, by verdict of a jury, or by a judgment of court. We say, the court or the jury decided the cause in favor of the plaintif, or of the defendant.
3. To end or determine, as a dispute or quarrel.
4. To end or determine a combat or battle; as, a body of reserve, brought to the charge, decided the contest.
5. To determine; to fix the event of. The fate of the bill is decided.
6. In general, to end; to terminate.