n.
Pronunciation: ' pr ē - ˌ si ŋ (k)t
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin praecinctum, from Latin, neuter of praecinctus, past participle of praecingere to gird, encircle, from prae- pre- + cingere to gird ― more at CINCTURE
Date: 15th century
1 : a part of a territory with definite bounds or functions often established for administrative purposes : DISTRICT : as a : a subdivision of a county, town, city, or ward for election purposes b : a division of a city for police control
2 a : an enclosure bounded by the walls of a building ― often used in plural b : a sphere of thought, action, or influence ― often used in plural
3 a plural : the region immediately surrounding a place : ENVIRONS b : PLACE , LOCALE
4 : BOUNDARY ― often used in plural <a ruined tower within the precinct s of the squire's grounds ― T. L. Peacock>