\Pre"cinct\ (?; 277), n. [LL. praecinctum, fr. L.
praecingere, praecinctum, to gird about, to encompass; prae
before + cingere to gird, surround. See {Pre-}, and
{Cincture}.]
1. The limit or exterior line encompassing a place; a
   boundary; a confine; limit of jurisdiction or authority;
   -- often in the plural; as, the precincts of a state.
   ``The precincts of light.'' --Milton.
2. A district within certain boundaries; a minor territorial
   or jurisdictional division; as, an election precinct; a
   school precinct.
3. A parish or prescribed territory attached to a church, and
   taxed for its support. [U.S.]
         The parish, or precinct, shall proceed to a new
         choice.                               --Laws of
                                               Massachusetts.