I. A taking beforehand, a receiving in advance (jurid. Lat.): “per praeceptionem legamus,” Ulp. Reg. 24, 2: “dotis,” Dig. 23, 4, 26: “per praeceptionem legare,” Gai. Inst. 2, 192; 216; Paul. Sent. 3, 6, 1.—
B. The right of receiving in advance: “praeceptionem quadringentorum milium dedit,” Plin. Ep. 5, 7, 1: “bonorum,” Dig. 33, 7, 2.—
II. A previous notion, preconception: “ad eam praeceptionem accedere, quam inchoatam habebunt in animis,” Cic. Part. 36, 123.—
III. A precept, injunction (class.): “lex est recti praeceptio, pravique depulsio,” Cic. N. D. 2, 31, 79: “Stoicorum,” id. Off. 1, 2, 6: “in juris scientiā est persecutionum cautionumque praeceptio,” id. Or. 41, 141.—
2. Esp., an imperial rescript or order, Cod. Just. 1, 11, 2; 11, 59, 3.