precept

[ pree-sept ]
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noun
  1. a commandment or direction given as a rule of action or conduct.

  2. an injunction as to moral conduct; maxim.

  1. a procedural directive or rule, as for the performance of some technical operation.

  2. Law.

    • a writ or warrant.

    • a written order issued pursuant to law, as a sheriff's order for an election.

Origin of precept

1
1300–50; Middle English <Latin praeceptum piece of advice, rule, noun use of neuter of praeceptus, past participle of praecipere to direct, foresee, literally, to take beforehand, equivalent to prae-pre- + -cep-, combining form of capere to take + -tus past participle suffix

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British Dictionary definitions for precept

precept

/ (ˈpriːsɛpt) /


noun
  1. a rule or principle for action

  2. a guide or rule for morals; maxim

  1. a direction, esp for a technical operation

  2. law

    • a writ or warrant

    • a written order to a sheriff to arrange an election, the empanelling of a jury, etc

    • (in England) an order to collect money under a rate

Origin of precept

1
C14: from Latin praeceptum maxim, injunction, from praecipere to admonish, from prae before + capere to take

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