precinct

pre·cinct

noun \ˈprē-ˌsiŋ(k)t\

Definition of PRECINCT

1

: a part of a territory with definite bounds or functions often established for administrative purposes : district: as a : a subdivision of a county, town, city, or ward for election purposes b : a division of a city for police control

2

a : an enclosure bounded by the walls of a building —often used in plural b : a sphere of thought, action, or influence —often used in plural

3

a plural : the region immediately surrounding a place : environs b : place, locale

4

: boundary —often used in plural <a ruined tower within the precincts of the squire's grounds — T. L. Peacock>

Examples of PRECINCT

1. <a sexist attitude that was pretty common in the precincts of the automobile business>

Origin of PRECINCT

Middle English, from Medieval Latin praecinctum, from Latin, neuter of praecinctus, past participle of praecingere to gird, encircle, from prae- pre- + cingere to gird — more at cincture

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to PRECINCT

Synonyms: area, arena, bailiwick, barony, business, circle, demesne, department, discipline, domain, element, fief, fiefdom, firmament, front, game, kingdom, line, field, province, realm, specialty, sphere, terrain, walk

Related Words: frontier; study, subject; territory, turf; occupation, profession, pursuit, racket, vocation; ambit, amplitude, breadth, compass, confine, dimension(s), extent, ken, reach, scope, sweep, width; subfield, subspecialty

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Rhymes with PRECINCT

extinct