preception

noun

pre·​cep·​tion

prēˈsepshən,

prə̇s-

plural -s

Roman law

: the taking before general distribution of an estate of something as a legacy under an option to select granted by the will to the legatee

Word History

Etymology

Latin praeception-, praeceptio, from praeceptus (past participle of praecipere to take beforehand) + -ion-, -io -ion

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!