precinct

noun

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”).

1. An enclosed space having defined limits, normally marked by walls.

   “For, by the fundamental Laws of the Realm, it is Capital in any Perſon, of what Quality ſoever, to make water within the Precincts of the Palace.”

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.

   “But ſince I loue to liue at libertie, As eaſily may you get the Souldans crowne, As any prizes out of my precinct.”

7. A surrounding boundary or limit.