Definition of decalogue
1 capitalized : ten commandments
2 : a basic set of rules carrying binding authority
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Examples of decalogue in a Sentence
the decalogue for scouting known as the Scout Oath
Did You Know?
In decalogue the root deca- is combined with logos, Greek for "word". In the Biblical book of Exodus, the original Decalogue, or Ten Commandments, was handed to Moses by God atop Mount Sinai. In Jewish and Christian tradition, the Ten Commandments are regarded as laws handed down from the highest authority and as the foundation of morality. They include commands to honor God, the Sabbath day, and one's parents, and bans on worshiping images, swearing, murder, adultery, theft, lying about others, and envying what others have. Individuals have often had their own personal decalogues; Thomas Jefferson's "ten commandments" started off with "Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today".
Origin and Etymology of decalogue
Middle English decaloge, from Late Latin decalogus, from Greek dekalogos, from deka- + logos word — more at legend
First Known Use: 14th century
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