precinct noun [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.

-- Webster's unabridged 1913