n.1 an enclosed or clearly defined area, e.g. around a cathedral, college, etc.
2 a specially designated area in a town, esp. with the exclusion of traffic (shopping precinct).
3 (in pl.) a the surrounding area or environs. b the boundaries.
4 US a a subdivision of a county, city, etc., for police or electoral purposes. b (in pl.) a neighbourhood.
Etymology: ME f. med.L praecinctum neut. past part. of praecingere encircle (as PRAE-, cingere gird)