PRE'CINCT, noun [Latin proecinctus, proecingo, to cencompass; proe and cingo, to surround or gird.] 1. The limit, bound or exterior line encompassing a place; as the precincts of light. 2. Bounds of jurisdiction, or the whole territory comprehended within the limits of authority. Take the body of A B, if to be found within your precincts. 3. A territorial district or division. It is to be observed that this word is generally used in the plural, except in the third sense. In case of non-acceptance [of the collector] the parish or precinct shall proceed to a new choice.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI