precinct

Meaning

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

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈpɹisɪŋkt/

Etymology

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