Main Entry:

pre·cinct

Pronunciation:

\ˈprē-ˌsiŋ(k)t\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

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

Date:

15th century

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 plural3 aplural : the region immediately surrounding a place : environs b: place, locale4: boundary —often used in plural <a ruined tower within the precincts of the squire's grounds — T. L. Peacock>