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precinct

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.

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. The parish, or precinct, shall proceed to a new choice. (laws of Massachusetts)

Origin: LL. Praecinctum, fr. L. Praecingere, praecinctum, to gird about, to encompass; prae = before _ cingere to gird, surround. See Pre-, and Cincture.