praecipe

[ pree-suh-pee, pres-uh- ]

noun

, Law.

1. any of various legal writs commanding a defendant to do something or to appear and show why it should not be done.
2. a written order addressed to the clerk of the court requesting that a writ be issued and specifying its contents.

Word History and Origins

Origin of praecipe¹

1400–50; late Middle English presepe < Latin praecipe, 2nd-person singular imperative of praecipere to take in advance; precept