Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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PRECEPT

A command of God or of legitimate human authority to a definite person or a specific duty. A precept is also distinguished from the whole body of laws as any particular rule or command under the law. Affirmative precepts command a person to act or to do something. Negative precepts forbid some action. (Etym. Latin praeceptum, rule, maxim.)