What is "praecipe"

Praecipe \Pr[ae]c"i*pe\, n. [L., imperative of praecipere to give rules or precepts. See Precept.] (Law)

1. A writ commanding something to be done, or requiring a reason for neglecting it.

2. A paper containing the particulars of a writ, lodged in the office out of which the writ is to be issued.
   --Wharton.

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."

n. (context legal English) A writ demanding action, or requiring a reason for neglecting it.

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).