King James Bible Dictionary

PRE'CEPT, noun [Latin proeceptum, from proecipio, to command; proe, before, and capio, to take.]

1. In a general sense, any commandment or order intended as an authoritative rule of action; but applied particularly to commands respecting moral conduct. The ten commandments are so many precepts for the regulation of our moral conduct.

No arts are without their precepts.

2. In law, a command or mandate in writing.

PRECEP'TIAL, adjective Consisting of precepts. [Not in use.]

PRECEP'TION, noun A precept. [Not in use.]

PRECEP'TIVE, adjective [Latin proeceptivus.] Giving precepts or commands for the regulation of moral conduct; containing precepts; as the preceptive parts of the Scriptures.

1. Directing in moral conduct; giving rules or directions; didactic.

The lesson given us here is preceptive to us.

Preceptive poetry.

PRECEP'TOR, noun [Latin proeceptor. See Precept.]

1. In a general sense, a teacher; an instructor.

2. In a restricted sense, the teacher of a school; sometimes, the principal teacher of an academy or other seminary.

PRECEPTO'RIAL, adjective Pertaining to a preceptor.

PRECEP'TORY, adjective Giving precepts.

PRECEP'TORY,noun A subordinate religious house where instruction was given.

See Commandments; Law
Commandments; Law