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   precinct

   /ˈpriːsɪŋ(k)t/

   noun

   • 1. the area within the walls or perceived boundaries of a particular building or place: "a former MP who still works in the precincts of the House" Similar boundsboundarieslimitsconfinessurrounding areaenvironssurroundingspurlieussurroundsneighbourhoodvicinitylocality
   • ▪ an enclosed or clearly defined area of ground around a cathedral, church, or college: "the precincts of the abbey church" Similar enclosureclosequadranglecourtcourtyardinformal:quad
   • 2. an area in a town designated for specific or restricted use, especially one which is closed to traffic: British "a pedestrian precinct" Similar areazonesectordistrictsectionquarterregion
   • 3. a district of a city or town as defined for policing purposes. North American
   • ▪ the police station situated in a precinct: "at the precinct a desk sergeant ran through her ID"
   • ▪ an electoral district of a city or town served by a single polling station: "with 35 per cent of the precincts declaring, he had 51 per cent of the vote"

   Word Origin late Middle English (denoting an administrative district): from medieval Latin praecinctum, neuter past participle (used as a noun) of praecingere ‘encircle’, from prae ‘before’ + cingere ‘gird’.

   Scrabble Points: 14

   • P

     3

   • R

     1

   • E

     1

   • C

     3

   • I

     1

   • N

     1

   • C

     3

   • T

     1

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