ordain
UK: ɔːˈdeɪn | US: ɔːrˈdeɪn
vt. to officially appoint someone as a priest or minister in a religious ceremony
vt. to order or command something authoritatively
vt. (of a law or higher power) to establish or decree something
The word "ordain" traces back to Latin ordinare (to arrange, appoint), from ordo (order). It entered English via Old French ordener, reflecting the medieval Church's hierarchical structure. The core idea of "setting in order" evolved into the religious sense of appointing clergy (arranging them into holy orders) and the legal sense of authoritative decree. The suffix -ain solidified its verbal form in English.
The bishop will ordain five new priests next Sunday.
The king ordained that all taxes be reduced by half.
Fate seemed to ordain their meeting that day.
The council ordained strict rules for urban development.
She felt ordained to pursue a life of service.