Final answer:
In the context of the sentence, 'edict' refers to an official order or proclamation, which relates to the protections offered by the First Amendment for freedom of speech in the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word "edict" in the sentence signifies an official order or proclamation. This is not necessarily the same as a legal document, an amendment to the constitution, or a persuasive argument. The First Amendment, which guarantees the freedom of speech, can be thought of metaphorically as an "edict" in that it is a foundational provision within the Bill of Rights and operates as a critical protection of this liberty.