fiat

nounverbattested in dialogue

//ˈfaɪæt//
//ˈfiːæt//
//ˈfiːət//
//ˈfiːɑːt//

An arbitrary or authoritative command or order to do something; an effectual decree.

noun

1
An arbitrary or authoritative command or order to do something; an effectual decree.
A royal fiat.
A presidential fiat.
The reflection that the fate of a fellow-creature depended on his sole fiat, would naturally inspire scrupulousness and caution; [...]
Beatrice raised her head: she looked at me as if on my words hung the fiat of life or death, fear and earnestness dilating her dark eyes—for an unconfessed hope had arisen within her.
2
Authorization, permission or (official) sanction.
A government fiat.
To rule by fiat.
3
A warrant of a judge for certain processes.
4
An authority for certain proceedings given by the Lord Chancellor's signature.
5
(Pertaining to) fiat currency.
But let us trace a little more particularly the differences between the "fiat" dollar and the greenback. The greenback, in common with every bank note any of you have ever seen, contains a promise to pay dollars.
But, say these men who claim for our Congress creative power, we will pass a law making these 'fiat' dollars legal tender for all debts, public and private.
The gold dollar is as much a fiat dollar as the silver dollar or a paper dollar, for none of them are money without this fiat [of the government, that it is legal tender].
All silver content in coins had to be removed from the currency supply, and fiat coins (or tokens) had to take their place.

Etymology

From Latin fīat (“let it be done”).

verb

1
To make (something) happen.
2
To issue a fiat.
For quotations using this term, see Citations:fiat.

Forms

plural: fiats
past tense: fiated
past participle: fiated
present participle: fiating
third person singular: fiats

fiancé · A man who is engaged to be married; the man to whom one is…fiancée · A woman who is engaged to be married; the woman to whom one…fiasco · A sudden or unexpected failure.

fiat · An arbitrary or authoritative command or order to do something; an effectual decree.

Fiat · An automobile manufactured by the Italian firm Fiat S.p.A.fiber · A single elongated piece of a given material, roughly round…fickle · Quick to change one’s opinion or allegiance; insincere; not…

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