English Dictionary
Definition of “precept”
precept (ˈpriːsɛpt
)
Definitions
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
C14: from Latin praeceptum maxim, injunction, from praecipere to admonish, from prae before + capere to take
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
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rule,
order,
law,
direction,
principle,
command,
regulation,
instruction,
decree,
mandate,
canon,
statute,
ordinance,
commandment,
behest,
dictum,
Usage examples
In all their ups and downs it had remained her mother's precept that it was a lower-class habit.
Meek, M R D, A Worm of Doubt (1987)But now, a new precept of Japanese management redefines risk-taking for corporate strategists, marrying incrementalism to radicalism.
Business Today (1997)It is exacerbated by the Islamic precept that women are not capable of controlling their sexual urges.
Globe and Mail (2003)The bills will rise even more when the police and fire service add their precept in March.
Liverpool Daily Post and Echo (2004)The National Curriculum followed the precept `mine not to reason why, mine just to do or die'.
Tomas Graves, TUNING UP AT DAWN: A Memoir of Music and Majorca (2004)
