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rescript

noun
re·​script | \ ˈrē-ˌskript \

Definition of rescript

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
Synonyms When Should You Use rescript? Example Sentences Learn More about rescript

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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.

Examples of rescript in a Sentence

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, "Japan Will Allow Its Schools to Use a Controversial 19th-Century Imperial Text," 10 Apr. 2017 At the time, the rescript served an important purpose. — Erin Blakemore, Smithsonian, "Japan Will Allow Its Schools to Use a Controversial 19th-Century Imperial Text," 10 Apr. 2017 At the time, the rescript served an important purpose. — Erin Blakemore, Smithsonian, "Japan Will Allow Its Schools to Use a Controversial 19th-Century Imperial Text," 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, "Japan Will Allow Its Schools to Use a Controversial 19th-Century Imperial Text," 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, "‘Traditionalist’ Japanese kindergarten with ties to prime minister is accused of nationalist bigotry, fraud," 25 Feb. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rescript.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of rescript

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for rescript

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

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The first known use of rescript was in the 15th century

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