n.
Variant: also pre · ci · pe
Pronunciation: ' pre-s ə - ˌ p ē , ' pr ē -
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English presepe, from Medieval Latin praecipe, from Latin, imperative of praecipere to instruct ― more at PRECEPT
Date: 15th century
1 : any of various legal writs commanding a person to do something or to appear and show cause why he or she should not
2 : a written order requesting a clerk or prothonotary of a court to issue a writ and specifying the contents of the writ