Precept

prē′sept, n. rule of action: a commandment: principle, or maxim: ( law ) the written warrant of a magistrate: a mandate.— adj. Precep′tial ( Shak. ), consisting of precepts.— n. Precep′tion ( obs. ), a precept.— adj. Precep′tive , containing or giving precepts: directing in moral conduct: didactic.— n. Precep′tor , one who delivers precepts: a teacher: an instructor: the head of a school: the head of a preceptory of Knights Templars:— fem. Precep′tre .— adjs. Preceptō′rial ; Precep′tory , giving precepts.— n. a religious house or college of the Knights Templars. [Fr.,—L. præceptum — præcipĕre , to take beforehand— præ , before, capĕre , to take.]