/pree"sept/ , n.
1. a commandment or direction given as a rule of action or conduct.
2. an injunction as to moral conduct; maxim.
3. a procedural directive or rule, as for the performance of some technical operation.
4. Law.
a. a writ or warrant.
b. a written order issued pursuant to law, as a sheriff's order for an election.
[ 1300-50; ME praeceptum piece of advice, rule, n. use of neut. of praeceptus, ptp. of praecipere to direct, foresee, lit., to take beforehand, equiv. to prae- PRE- + -cep-, comb. form of capere to take + -tus ptp. suffix ]
Syn. 1. directive, order, guide, instruction, prescription.