precept

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a general rule or principle intended to regulate behavior or thought

   The precept of honesty is fundamental in building trust.

2. 2
   noun

   a written order issued by a legal authority to act in a certain way

   The court issued a precept to enforce the new regulation.

From Latin prae- ('before') + capere ('to take'), forming praeceptum ('rule; command'); via Old French precepte into Middle English precept 'rule; guiding principle'.

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