-precinct-

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A district within certain boundaries; a minor territorial or jurisdictional division; as, an election precinct; a school precinct. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A parish or prescribed territory attached to a church, and taxed for its support. [ U.S. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

The parish, or precinct, shall proceed to a new choice. Laws of Massachusetts. [ 1913 Webster ]