The Collaborative International Dictionary
Praecipe \Pr[ae]c"i*pe\, n. [L., imperative of praecipere to give rules or precepts. See Precept.] (Law)
A writ commanding something to be done, or requiring a reason for neglecting it.
A paper containing the particulars of a writ, lodged in the office out of which the writ is to be issued.
--Wharton.
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
c.1500 (in Magna Carta in Anglo-Latin), from Latin praecipe, imperative of praecipere "to admonish, enjoin," from the opening words of such a writ, praecipe quod reddat "enjoin (him) that he render."
Wiktionary
n. (context legal English) A writ demanding action, or requiring a reason for neglecting it.
Wikipedia
In law in the United States, a praecipe is a document that either (A) commands a defendant to appear and show cause why an act or thing should not be done; or (B) requests the clerk of court to issue a writ and to specify its contents. In Canada it is used in place of a notice of motion as an application for a desk order that is granted in the court registry without a hearing before a judge.
However in the United States Clerks are variously limited to handle minor precepts (typical status adjustments) in the name of the Court (i.e., a Clerk cannot issue any forceful or mandamus writ).
Usage examples of "praecipe".
The writ which is called praecipe shall not for the future be issued to anyone, regarding any tenement whereby a freeman may lose his court.