noun
precept
Precept (noun) means a rule that guides how someone should behave.
noun
1
A rule that guides how someone should behave.
"I need hardly point out that Pinker doesn't really believe anything of what he writes, at least if example is stronger evidence of belief than precept."
— Theodore Dalrymple, The Gift of Language (2006)
"Precept guides, but example draws."
2
(law) An official written order, especially one demanding that money be paid.
3
(UK) An instruction from one local council to another setting the level of tax to charge on its behalf.
4
The rate of tax fixed by such an order, or the tax collected under it.
"The Parish Council is financed by raising a small levy - the precept - on all residential properties within the parish."
— “Medstead Parish Council”, Medstead Parish Council (2019)
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Etymology
Borrowed from Late Latin praeceptum, a form of praecipiō (“to teach”), from Latin prae (“pre-”) and capiō (“take”).
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of precept?
"precept" (noun) means a rule that guides how someone should behave.
What is another word for precept?
Other words for "precept" include teaching, commandment, principle.
What are the different meanings of precept?
"precept" has 3 main meanings: 1. A rule that guides how someone should behave; 2. (law) An official written order, especially one demanding that money be paid; 3. (UK) An instruction from one local council to another setting the level of tax to charge on its behalf.
