1. A fundamental rule, truth, or guideline for action or conduct
   "He lived by the precept 'treat others as you would like to be treated'";
   - principle, maxim
    
2. A doctrine that is taught
   "he believed all the Christian precepts";
   - teaching, commandment

Derived forms: precepts

Type of: doctrine, ism, philosophical system, philosophy, prescript, rule, school of thought

Part of: ethic, ethical code

Encyclopedia: Precept, Samadhi, Enlightenment