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precept definition

pre·cept (prē′sept′)

noun

  1. a commandment or direction meant as a rule of action or conduct
  2. a rule of moral conduct; maxim
  3. a rule or direction, as in technical matters
  4. Law a written order; writ

Etymology: ME < L praeceptum < praecipere, to admonish, teach < prae-, before (see pre-) + capere, to take

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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