Main Entry: pre·cept

Pronunciation: \ˈprē-ˌsept\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin praeceptum, from neuter of praeceptus, past participle of praecipere to take beforehand, instruct, from prae- + capere to take — more at heave

Date: 14th century

1 : a command or principle intended especially as a general rule of action
2 : an order issued by legally constituted authority to a subordinate official

synonyms see law