Hand Down
Defined in 3 dictionaries — Bouvier (1914), Black's (1910), Black's (1891)
Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia
John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914
To announce or file an opinion in a cause. Used originally and properly of the opinions of appellate courts transmitted to the court below; but in later usage the term is employed more generally, but inaccurately, with reference to any decision by a court upon a case or point reserved for consideration.
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
An appellate court is said to "hand down" its decision in a case, when the opinion is prepared and filed for transmission to the court below.
A Dictionary of Law
Henry Campbell Black · 1891
An appellate court is said to “hand down” its decision in a case, when the opinion is prepared and Sled for transmission to the court below.