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
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Origin and Etymology of praecipe
Middle English presepe, from Medieval Latin praecipe, from Latin, imperative of praecipere to instruct — more at precept
First Known Use: 15th century
Other Legal Terms
Law Dictionary
praecipe
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
Additional Notes on praecipe
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
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