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