Præ'çi-pe, n.

n. [Lat., imperative of præcipere, to give rules or precepts. See PRECEPT.] (Law.) (a.) A writ commanding something to be done, or requiring a reason for neglecting it. (b.) A paper containing the particulars of a writ, lodged in the office out of which the writ is to be issued. Wharton. Burrill.