precinct
UK: ˈpriːsɪŋkt | US: ˈpriːsɪŋkt
n. a district or division of a city, especially for administrative or policing purposes
n. an enclosed or defined area, often around a building or institution
n. (historical) a boundary or limit
The word "precinct" originates from Latin praecinctum, meaning "an enclosure" or "boundary," derived from praecingere ("to gird beforehand"). It originally referred to a space physically enclosed or marked off, later evolving to denote administrative or policing divisions in urban areas. The logic reflects the idea of a defined or "girded" area, emphasizing boundaries.
The police patrolled the precinct diligently.
The voting precinct was set up in the local school.
The historic precinct of the city is well-preserved.
Protesters gathered outside the government precinct.
The university precinct includes libraries and research centers.