Precept

Precept, a rule authoritatively given; a mandate: (1) A command in writing by a justice of the peace or other officer, for bringing a person or record before him; the direction of the sheriff to the proper officer to proceed to the election of members of Parliament; a command to a sheriff to empannel a jury; also a provocation whereby one incites another to commit a felony.

(2) Under the Rating and Valuation Act, 1925, as amended by the Local Government Act, 1929, the mandate, styled 'precept to be sent' by the precept-ing authority to the rating authority to levy the general rate to a specified amount; and see Local Government Act, 1933, s. 193, for power of a parish council to issue precepts to its rural district council to meet certain expenses.