I. Lit., a steep place, an abrupt descent, a precipice (post-Aug.): “in praecipitium propellere,” Suet. Aug. 79; Vulg. Judith, 7, 8.—
B. Trop.: “aut per confragosa vexabitur aut per praecipitia labetur,” Lact. 6, 17; cf. Cic. Rep. 2, 41, 68.—
II. Transf., a falling headlong, a falling down, a fall: “dum aliorum praecipitium vident,” Lact. 2, 3: “(herba urceolaris) contra, lapsus et praecipitia singularis,” Plin. 22, 17, 20, § 43.