In English and American law. An order or direction, emanating from authority, to an officer or body of officers, commanding him or them to do some act within the scope of their powers. Precept is not to be confined to civil proceedings, and is not of a more restricted meaning than “process.” It includes warrants and processes in criminal as well as civil proceedings. Adams v. Vose, 1 Gray (Mass.) 51, 58. “Precept” means a commandment in writing, sent out by a justice of the peace or PRECEPT 929.