precepts
/ˈpriː.sɛpts/
noun
Origin
Latin
praeceptum — a warning, command, or rule
Overview
Meaning Now
- A general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought.
- A writ or warrant issued by an authority to perform a specific action.
Literal older meaning
taken in advance; a rule seized or grasped beforehand.
Language path
Latin → Old French → English
Earliest form
precepte
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The term originates from Roman legal and philosophical contexts, where 'praecepta' referred to authoritative instructions or maxims given by a teacher or superior, intended to guide the listener's moral or practical conduct.
Evolution
- Classical Latin
praeceptum
“instruction, rule, precept”
From prae (before) + capere (to take).
- Old French
precepte
“commandment, rule”
- Middle English
precept
“a rule of conduct”
Connections
Word parts
prae-
prefix
before
cept
root
to take
-s
ending
plural marker
Related across languages
French
précepte
precept
Spanish
precepto
precept
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Related to precepts
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.