See distinctly (with the eyes or the mind); distinguish (an object or fact); discern.
transferred sense
Decree a person etc. to be or to do something by judicial sentence. (in the phrase “to decern in”, obsolete) To mulct in by decree of court.
Decree by judicial sentence that something be done.
intransitive
with simple object
To see someone or something clearly or distinctly.
To make oneself noticeably different or better from others through accomplishments.
To recognize someone or something as different from others based on its characteristics.
To confer an honor upon.