I.a. [cano].
I. Neutr., to sing or play before (class.): “et deorum pulvinaribus et epulis magistratuum fides praecinunt,” Cic. Tusc. 4, 2, 4: “praecinere sibi tibias jussit,” Flor. 2, 2, 10: “praecinente citharā,” Gell. 1, 11, 6: “tubā praecinente,” sounding beforehand, Flor. 2, 16, 5.—
B. In partic., to utter an incantation: “carmine cum magico praecinuisset anus,” Tib. 1, 5, 12.—
II. Act., to sing to one: “gemitum,” a funeral song, Stat. S. 5, 3, 59.—
B. To foretell, predict: “magnum aliquid deos populo Romano praemonstrare et praecinere,” Cic. Har. Resp. 10, 20: “lucos praecinuisse fugam,” Tib. 2, 5, 74: “lymphati futura praecinunt,” Plin. 8, 46, 71, § 185: “cursum sideris,” foretell, id. 2, 12, 9, § 54: “responsa,” i. e. to give responses respecting the future, to utter predictions, id. 25, 9, 59, § 106.
