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Webster 1913 Edition

Precinct

Pre′cinct

(?; 277)
,
Noun.
[LL.
praecinctum
, fr. L.
praecingere
,
praecinctum
, to gird about, to encompass;
prae
before +
cingere
to gird, surround. See
Pre-
, and
Cincture
.]
1.
The limit or exterior line encompassing a place; a boundary; a confine; limit of jurisdiction or authority; – often in the plural;
as, the
precincts
of a state
.
“The precincts of light.”
Milton.
2.
A district within certain boundaries; a minor territorial or jurisdictional division;
as, an election
precinct
; a school
precinct
.
3.
A parish or prescribed territory attached to a church, and taxed for its support.
[U.S.]
The parish, or
precinct
, shall proceed to a new choice.
Laws of Massachusetts.

Webster 1828 Edition

Precinct

PRE'CINCT

,
Noun.
[L. proecinctus, proecingo, to cencompass; proe and cingo, to surround or gird.]
1.
The limit, bound or exterior line encompassing a place; as the precincts of light.
2.
Bounds of jurisdiction, or the whole territory comprehended within the limits of authority.
Take the body of A B, if to be found within your precincts.
3.
A territorial district or division.
It is to be observed that this word is generally used in the plural, except in the third sense.
In case of non-acceptance [of the collector] the parish or precinct shall proceed to a new choice.

Definition 2024

precinct

precinct

English

Alternative forms

Noun

precinct ‎(plural precincts)

  1. (chiefly in the plural) An enclosed space having defined limits, normally marked by walls.
  2. (Britain) A pedestrianized and uncovered shopping area.
  3. (US, law enforcement) A subdivision of a city under the jurisdiction of a specific group of police; the police station situated in that district.
  4. (US) A subdivision of a city or town for the purposes of voting and representation in city or town government. In cities, precincts may be grouped into wards.

Translations

References

  1. ↑ “precinct” in Douglas Harper, Online Etymology Dictionary (2001).

Etymology

Middle English early 15th century, in sense of “district for government purposes”, from Medieval Latin precinctum, alternative form of praecinctum ‎(“enclosure, boundary line”), neuter singular of praecinctus, perfect passive participle of Latin praecingō ‎(“surround, gird”), from prae ‎(“before”) + cingō ‎(“surround, encircle”), from which also cinch.[1]

Cognate to Italian precingere ‎(“to encircle”).

Pronunciation

  • enPR: prē'sĭngkt, IPA(key): /ˈprisɪŋkt/

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