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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).