Dictionary.net

a doctrine that is taught; "the teaching of religion"; "he believed all the Christian precepts"

To teach by precepts.

A rule of action or of moral conduct; maxim.

Rule of action: a commandment: principle, or maxim: (law) the written warrant of a magistrate.

An authoritative rule respecting moral conduct; a maxim; a mandate in writing.

Any authoritative command or rule of action; an injunction; instruction; principle; maxim; a doctrine; a command in writing to a magistrate or a judge.

n. [Latin] Any commandment or order intended as an authoritative rule of action; especially, a command respecting moral conduct ; injunction ; mandate ; order ; law ; rule ; direction ; instruction ; doctrine ; principle ; maxim ;-a species of writ or warrant.