praecipe

noun

prae·​ci·​pe ˈpre-sə-ˌpē How to pronounce praecipe (audio) ˈprē- How to pronounce praecipe (audio)
variants or less commonly precipe
1
: any of various legal writs commanding a person to do something or to appear and show cause why he or she should not
2
: a written order requesting a clerk or prothonotary of a court to issue a writ and specifying the contents of the writ

Word History

Etymology

Middle English presepe, from Medieval Latin praecipe, from Latin, imperative of praecipere to instruct — more at precept

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of praecipe was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near praecipe

Prado Ugarteche

praecipe

praecipe in capite

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Praecipe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/praecipe. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Legal Definition

praecipe

noun
prae·​ci·​pe
variants also precipe
ˈpre-sə-ˌpē, ˈprē-
: a written request for an action (as the issuing of a writ of execution) from a party to a clerk of a court or sometimes to a judge
filed a praecipe for the writ of scire facias
shall issue upon praecipe of the plaintiff

Note: When addressed to a clerk, a praecipe is usually a request for some action that does not require immediate judicial review, such as the issuing of a subpoena or the preparing of a record for appellate review. When addressed to a judge, as for jury instructions in some jurisdictions, a praecipe is similar to a motion.

Etymology

Medieval Latin precipe, legal writ commanding a person to do something or show cause why he or she should not, from Latin praecipe, imperative of praecipere to give rules or precepts, admonish, enjoin

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