precinct

Meaning

Noun

• An enclosed space having defined limits, normally marked by walls.
• The general area surrounding a place, environs.
• A pedestrianized and uncovered shopping area.
• A subdivision of a city under the jurisdiction of a specific group of police; the police station situated in that district.
• A subdivision of a city or town for the purposes of voting and representation in city or town government. In cities, precincts may be grouped into wards.
• A district over which someone or some body of people has control in general; province, sphere of control.
• A surrounding boundary or limit.

Origin

• From Middle English precinct, early 15th century, in sense of “district for government purposes”, from Medieval Latin precinctum, alternative form of praecinctum, neuter singular of praecinctus, perfect passive participle of Latin praecingō ("surround, gird"), from prae + cingō, from which also cinch.
• Cognate to Italian precingere ("to encircle").