precept

American  

[pree-sept] / ˈpri sɛpt /

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.

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precept British  

/ 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

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Etymology

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

Example Sentences

In a sprawling nation founded on the precept of individual liberty and populated primarily by immigrants from around the world, there was hardly one American experience.

From The Wall Street Journal

These aren’t abstract legal theories; they are fundamental precepts of our federalist system.

From The Wall Street Journal

Yet in recent years Heritage has drifted from these precepts.

From The Wall Street Journal

Arthur Schlesinger Jr. seemed to agree when he wrote that “the language of the new nation, its laws, its institutions, its political ideas, its literature, its customs, its precepts, its prayers, primarily derived from Britain.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Baseball isn’t Davis’ only passion — nor is it the only thing that has recently tested some of his most deeply-held precepts.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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