Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PRE'CINCT, n. [L. præcinctus, præcingo, to encompass; præ and cingo, to surround or gird.]

1. The limit, bound or exterior line encompassing a place; as, the precincts of light. – Milton.
2. Bounds of jurisdiction, or the whole territory comprehended within the limits of authority. Take the body of A. B., if to be found within your precincts. – Technical Laws.
3. A territorial district or division. It is to be observed that this word is generally used in the plural, except in the third sense. In case of non-acceptance [of the collector] the parish or precinct shall proceed to a new choice. – Laws of Massachusetts.