Pre"cinct (?; 277), n. [LL.
praecinctum, fr. L. praecingere, praecinctum, to
gird about, to encompass; prae before + cingere to gird,
surround. See Pre-, and Cincture.] 1.
The limit or exterior line encompassing a place; a boundary; a
confine; limit of jurisdiction or authority; -- often in the plural;
as, the precincts of a state. "The precincts of
light." Milton.
2. A district within certain boundaries; a
minor territorial or jurisdictional division; as, an election
precinct; a school precinct.
3. A parish or prescribed territory attached
to a church, and taxed for its support. [U.S.]
The parish, or precinct, shall proceed to a new
choice.
Laws of Massachusetts.
