/pree"seuh pee', pres"euh-/ , n. Law.
1. any of various legal writs commanding a defendant to do something or to appear and show why it should not be done.
2. a written order addressed to the clerk of the court requesting that a writ be issued and specifying its contents.
[ 1400-50; late ME presepe praecipe, 2d sing. impv. of praecipere to take in advance; see PRECEPT ]