ˈpresəpə̇s noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French, from Latin praecipitium, from praecipit-, praeceps headlong, from prae- pre- + -cipit-, -ceps (from caput head) — more at head
1. obsolete : a sudden or headlong fall
2. : a very steep, perpendicular, or overhanging place (as the face of a cliff) : an abrupt declivity : a sheer cliff
3. : a hazardous situation : the brink of disaster