Dictionary entry

Precise

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Pre‐cise″ (?), a. [L. praecisus cut off, brief, concise, p. p. of praecidere to cut off in front, to cut off; prae before + caedere to cut: cf. F. précis. Cf. Concise.] 1. Having determinate limitations; exactly or sharply defined or stated; definite; exact; nice; not vague or equivocal; as, precise rules of morality.

The law in this point is not precise. Bacon.

For the hour precise

Exacts our parting hence. Milton.

2. Strictly adhering or conforming to rule; very nice or exact; punctilious in conduct or ceremony; formal; ceremonious. Addison.

He was ever precise in promise-keeping. Shak.

Syn. — Accurate; exact; definite; correct; scrupulous; punctilious; particular; nice; formal. See Accurate.

— Pre‐cise″ly, adv. — Pre‐cise″ness, n.