Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A command that something be done; specifically, an absolute and efficient command proceeding from, or as if from, divine or creative power.
  • noun In English law, a short order or warrant of some judge for making out and allowing certain processes, given by his subscribing the words fiat ut petitur, ‘let it be done as is asked.’
  • Existing as if by absolute divine or creative command; having the character or power of such a command.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun An authoritative command or order to do something; an effectual decree.
  • noun A warrant of a judge for certain processes.
  • noun An authority for certain proceedings given by the Lord Chancellor's signature.
  • noun irredeemable paper currency, not resting on a specie basis, but deriving its purchasing power from the declaratory fiat of the government issuing it.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • proper noun An automobile manufactured by the Italian firm Fiat S.p.A..

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun a legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge)

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

Italian abbreviation: Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino ("Italian Automobile Factory of Turin")

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Examples

  • The circumstances are certainly different for Chrysler today, but I can't help but think that a shotgun marriage with Fiat is doomed.

    Fix It Again, Tony? 2009

  • According to Reuters, Fiat is interested in developing an electrified commercial van for the U.S. market — a suitable replacement for the Town & Country EV cargo van once promised

    Coyote Blog » Blog Archive » The Honey Trap for Obama 2009

  • Now that Fiat is "bailing-in" Chrysler there is a good chance that the cute but coolFiat 500 will be coming stateside.

    Archive 2009-01-01 Ilya 2009

  • Now that Fiat is "bailing-in" Chrysler there is a good chance that the cute but coolFiat 500 will be coming stateside.

    Good News xtra 2009

  • As that relationship fizzled, and a new partner found in Fiat, Mercedes provided a parting gift: the next-generation Mercedes ML platform for all-new Grand Cherokee.

    Test Complete: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2010

  • Fiat is prepared to transfer valuable technology to Chrysler and, after extensive consultation with the Administration, has committed to building new fuel efficient cars and engines in U.S. factories.

    Obama Administration To Chrysler, GM: Sorry, You Failed. - The Consumerist 2009

  • I live in the US, so the name Fiat for me still evokes something small, old, and unreliable.

    Autoblog Green 2010

  • The Italian carmaker Fiat, which is Alfa's parent company, holds a controlling interest in Chrysler.

    Detroit auto show: glitzy but green 2012

  • Fiat, which is working toward becoming a global car maker after its merger with Chrysler Group LLC, said trading profit more than doubled to €851 million from €256 million for the same period last year.

    Fiat Criticizes Italian Stock-Market Regulator Gilles Castonguay 2011

  • The Italian carmaker Fiat, which is also led by Marchionne, currently owns about 20 percent of Chrysler.

    Chrysler To Sell Stocks; Lenders To Review Foreclosures 2010

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