precipice

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A very steep cliff.

   I resolved to remove my tent from the place where it stood, which was just under the hanging precipice of the hill; and which, if it should be shaken again, would certainly fall upon my tent[…].

2. 2
   noun

   The brink of a dangerous situation.

   To stand on a precipice.

3. 3
   noun

   a very steep cliff

4. 4
   noun

   A headlong fall or descent.

First attested in 1598, from Middle French precipice, from Latin praecipitium (“a steep place”), from praeceps (“steep”), from prae + caput (“head”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *kap- (“head”). Distantly related to precept through Latin praecipiō (“to teach”), from prae + capiō (“take”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *kap-, *keh₂p- (“to hold; to seize”).

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