precept
a commandment or direction given as a rule of action or conduct.
an injunction as to moral conduct; maxim.
a procedural directive or rule, as for the performance of some technical operation.
Law.
a writ or warrant.
a written order issued pursuant to law, as a sheriff's order for an election.
Origin of precept
1Other words for precept
Words that may be confused with precept
- percept, precept
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use precept in a sentence
Drones need be matched with deeds that expose the false precepts of Al Qaeda's narrative.
Why’s Al Qaeda So Strong? Washington Has (Literally) No idea | Bruce Riedel | November 9, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTPalmer has tried to conduct an examined life, to arrive at his own precepts and live by them.
Whether or not we believe that divine precepts give us guidance, our behavior is remarkably similar.
It’s Official: Religion Doesn’t Make You More Moral | Elizabeth Picciuto | September 23, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTTo underscore the point: The Constitution strongly protects us against theocrats who would pass religious precepts into law.
The conversion process has become longer and more complex, requiring an uncompromising observance of halakhic precepts.
In Italy, a Traditional Jewish Lifestyle is Disappearing | Anna Momigliano | December 13, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
It is enjoined in statutes of perpetual moral obligation, that illustrate the ten precepts of the law.
The Ordinance of Covenanting | John CunninghamIt stands enjoined among those precepts that are inculcated for every dispensation.
The Ordinance of Covenanting | John CunninghamSo I have had to convey my precepts insensibly to Milord K.—to convey them in homeopathic doses of parable.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I | Ian HamiltonWe have seen that several of the precepts of that law require the observance of entering into covenant.
The Ordinance of Covenanting | John CunninghamWithout repeated adherence to these moral precepts, free government cannot survive.
Hallowed Heritage: The Life of Virginia | Dorothy M. Torpey
British Dictionary definitions for precept
/ (ˈpriːsɛpt) /
a rule or principle for action
a guide or rule for morals; maxim
a direction, esp for a technical operation
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
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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