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 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>