precept

 
Pronunciation: /ˈpriːsɛpt/

noun

  • 1a general rule intended to regulate behaviour or thought: the legal precept of being innocent until proven guilty [mass noun]: children learn far more by example than by precept
  • 2a writ or warrant: the Commissioner issued precepts requiring the companies to provide information
  • 3British an order issued by one local authority to another specifying the rate of tax to be charged on its behalf: the precept required a supplementary rate of 6.1p in the pound
  • a rate or tax set by a precept.

Derivatives

preceptive

Pronunciation: /prɪˈsɛptɪv/
adjective

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin praeceptum, neuter past participle of praecipere 'warn, instruct', from prae 'before' + capere 'take'