First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
precinct
noun pre·cinct \ˈprē-ˌsiŋ(k)t\
: any one of the sections that a town or city is divided into when people vote in an election
: any one of the sections that a city is divided into for organizing the city's police forces
: a police station of a precinct
Full 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
4
: boundary —often used in plural <a ruined tower within the precincts of the squire's grounds — T. L. Peacock>
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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
Related to PRECINCT
Rhymes with PRECINCT
PRECINCT Defined for Kids
precinct
noun pre·cinct \ˈprē-ˌsiŋkt\
Definition of PRECINCT for Kids
1
: any of the sections into which a town or city is divided for a particular purpose (as voting or police protection)
2
: a surrounding or enclosed area <Stay within school precincts.>
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