precept

[pree-sept]

noun

1. a commandment or direction given as a rule of action or conduct.

   Synonyms: prescription, instruction, guide, order, directive

2. an injunction as to moral conduct; maxim.

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

4. Law.

   1. a writ or warrant.

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

precept

/ ˈpriːsɛpt /

noun

1. a rule or principle for action

2. a guide or rule for morals; maxim

3. a direction, esp for a technical operation

4. law

   1. a writ or warrant

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of precept¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of precept¹

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

Example Sentences

When did those precepts of manhood become rules for losers?

From Salon

Council tax includes a so-called police precept, which helps fund services such as regular community policing.

From BBC

She goes against his precepts and disobeys his orders — they appear as onscreen italic titles — and he gets stroppy, as a father would.

From Los Angeles Times

Comments below the video were largely supportive: "Your past does not define who you are," wrote one fan, a core American precept if ever there was one.

From Salon

While generally true, the precept doesn’t hold in the case of playwright Athol Fugard, whose body of work helped transform the history of his nation.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• axiom 
• canon 
• commandment 
• doctrine 
• dogma 
• edict 
• tenet