7 October 2014

ukase

[yoo-keys, -keyz, yoo-keys, -keyz]

noun

1. (in czarist Russia) an edict or order of the czar having the force of law.
2. any order or proclamation by an absolute or arbitrary authority.

Origin

1720-1730; < French < Russian ukáz, Old Russian ukazŭ, noun derivative of ukazati to show, indicate, assign, command, equivalent to u- prefix + kazati to show, order

Synonyms

2. edict, directive, ruling, decree, fiat.

Dictionary.com

Example:

– The government enacted a ukase banning fireworks.

Today’s aphorism

Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things that escape those who dream only at night.

– Edgar Allan Poe

On this day

7 October 1849 – death of Edgar Allan Poe, American poet and novelist, The Raven. Born 19 January 1809.

7 October 1913 – Henry Ford implements the moving assembly line … changing the face of manufacturing forever.

7 October 1931 – birth of Desmond Tutu, Anglican Archbishop of South Africa. Won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1984.

7 October 2001 – United States invades Afghanistan as they hunt for Osama Bin Laden and to take down the Taliban government for allowing him to live there.