rescript
UK: ˈriːskrɪpt | US: ˈriːskrɪpt
n. an official written order or decree, especially from a ruler or government
n. a rewritten or revised version of a text
n. (historical) a Roman emperor’s written reply to a legal inquiry
The word "rescript" originates from Latin rescriptum, the past participle of rescribere ("to write back"). It combines re- (meaning "again" or "back") and scribere (meaning "to write"). Initially used in Roman law for imperial replies, the term evolved to denote any authoritative written response or revision. The morphemes reflect the action of rewriting or issuing a formal written command.
The king issued a rescript to amend the tax laws.
Scholars debated the authenticity of the ancient rescript.
The judge requested a rescript of the original document for clarity.
The rescript from the emperor settled the legal dispute.
Modern governments rarely use rescripts as a form of communication.