noun
or pre·ci·pe ˈprēsəˌpē, ˈpres-
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English precipe, from Medieval Latin, from Latin praecipe, imperative of praecipere to take beforehand, to give rules or precepts, admonish, enjoin — more at precept
1. : any of various legal writs commanding a person to do something or to appear and show cause why he should not
2. : a written order addressed to the clerk or prothonotary of a court requesting the issuance of a specified writ and containing the pertinent information therefor