n.
Pronunciation: ' pr ē - ˌ sept
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin praeceptum, from neuter of praeceptus, past participle of praecipere to take beforehand, instruct, from prae- + capere to take ― more at HEAVE
Date: 14th century
1 : a command or principle intended especially as a general rule of action
2 : an order issued by legally constituted authority to a subordinate official
synonyms see LAW