precept
[ pree-sept ]
/ ˈpri sɛpt /
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noun
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.
OTHER WORDS FOR precept
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Origin of precept
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
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH precept
percept, preceptWords nearby precept
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for precept
precept
/ (ˈpriːsɛpt) /
noun
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
Word Origin for precept
C14: from Latin praeceptum maxim, injunction, from praecipere to admonish, from prae before + capere to take
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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