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.
Hear it pronounced