precept

/ˈprē-ˌsept/

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin praeceptum, from neuter of praeceptus, past participle of praecipere to take beforehand, instruct, from prae- + capere to take

noun

  1. a command or principle intended especially as a general rule of action

  2. an order issued by legally constituted authority to a subordinate official

law rule regulation precept statute ordinance canon mean a principle governing action or procedure. law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority. rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.