praecipe

noun prae·ci·pe \ ˈpre-sə-ˌpē , ˈprē- \

variants: or less commonly precipe

Definition of praecipe

1 : any of various legal writs commanding a person to do something or to appear and show cause why he or she should not

2 : a written order requesting a clerk or prothonotary of a court to issue a writ and specifying the contents of the writ

Origin and Etymology of praecipe

Middle English presepe, from Medieval Latin praecipe, from Latin, imperative of praecipere to instruct — more at precept

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Legal Terms

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Law Dictionary

praecipe

noun prae·ci·pe

variants: also precipe \ˈpre-sə-ˌpē, ˈprē-\

legal Definition of praecipe

: a written request for an action (as the issuing of a writ of execution) from a party to a clerk of a court or sometimes to a judge

filed a praecipe for the writ of scire facias

shall issue upon praecipe of the plaintiff

Note: When addressed to a clerk, a praecipe is usually a request for some action that does not require immediate judicial review, such as the issuing of a subpoena or the preparing of a record for appellate review. When addressed to a judge, as for jury instructions in some jurisdictions, a praecipe is similar to a motion.

Origin and Etymology of praecipe

Medieval Latin precipe, legal writ commanding a person to do something or show cause why he or she should not, from Latin praecipe, imperative of praecipere to give rules or precepts, admonish, enjoin