pre·cept

[pree-sept]
noun
1.
a commandment or direction given as a rule of action or conduct.
2.
an injunction as to moral conduct; maxim.
3.
a procedural directive or rule, as for the performance of some technical operation.
4.
Law.
a.
a writ or warrant.
b.
a written order issued pursuant to law, as a sheriff's order for an election.

Origin:
1300–50; Middle English < Latin praeceptum piece of advice, rule, noun use of neuter of praeceptus, past participle of praecipere to direct, foresee, literally, to take beforehand, equivalent to prae- pre- + -cep-, combining form of capere to take + -tus past participle suffix

percept, precept.


1. directive, order, guide, instruction, prescription.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source Link To precept
00:10
Precept is a GRE word you need to know.
So is neologism. Does it mean:
A new word, meaning, usage, or phrase; the creation or use of new words or senses:
to caution, advise, or counsel against something.
Collins
World English Dictionary
precept (ˈpriːsɛpt) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n
1.  a rule or principle for action
2.  a guide or rule for morals; maxim
3.  a direction, esp for a technical operation
4.  law
 a.  a writ or warrant
 b.  a written order to a sheriff to arrange an election, the empanelling of a jury, etc
 c.  (in England) an order to collect money under a rate
 
[C14: from Latin praeceptum maxim, injunction, from praecipere to admonish, from prae before + capere to take]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

precept
1382, from L. præceptum "maxim, rule, order," prop. neuter pp. of præcipere "give rules to, order, advise," lit. "take beforehand," from præ- "before" + capere (pp. captus) "to take" (see capable).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
Calatrava has defied the key precept of modernist architecture, that form must
  follow function.
The breach of this precept is 'pride'.
It revives the precept that there's nothing more cinematic than a close-up of
  two beautiful people about to kiss.
To teach successfully, we must teach both by precept and example.
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