1
: a part of a territory with definite bounds or functions often established for administrative purposes : district: such as
a
: a subdivision of a county, town, city, or ward for election purposes
b
: a division of a city for police control
2
a
: an enclosure bounded by the walls of a building
—often used in plural
b
: a sphere of thought, action, or influence
—often used in plural
3
a
precincts plural : the region immediately surrounding a place : environs
b
: place, locale
4
: boundary
—often used in plural
a ruined tower within the precincts of the squire's grounds—
T. L. Peacock
Etymology
Middle English, from Medieval Latin praecinctum, from Latin, neuter of praecinctus, past participle of praecingere to gird, encircle, from prae- pre- + cingere to gird — more at cincture
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
cincture
noun
cinc·ture ˈsiŋ(k)-chər
1
: the act of encircling
2
a
: an encircling area
b
: girdle, belt
especially : a cord or sash of cloth worn around an ecclesiastical vestment or the habit of a member of a religious order under monastic vows
Etymology
Latin cinctura girdle, from cinctus, past participle of cingere to gird; probably akin to Sanskrit kāñcī girdle
First Known Use
1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1