precinct

The story

1. Latin · derived frompraecingō“surround, gird”
2. Medieval Latin · derived fromprecinctum
3. Middle English · inherited fromprecinct, precincte
4. English todayprecinct

From Middle English precinct, precincte, early 15th century, in sense of “district for government purposes”, from Medieval Latin precinctum, alternative form of praecinctum (“enclosure, boundary line”), neuter singular of praecinctus, perfect passive participle of Latin praecingō (“surround, gird”), from prae (“before”) + cingō (“surround, encircle”), from which also cinch. Cognate to Italian precingere (“to encircle”).