(in pl) the region immediately surrounding a place; environs
(also in pl)
an enclosure bounded by the walls surrounding a building
a boundary
a ruined tower within the precincts of the squire's grounds — Thomas Love Peacock
an area of a town or city not allowing access to traffic and usu with a specific function
shopping precinct
university precinct
NAmer an administrative district for election purposes or police control
[Middle English from Latin praecinctum, neuter past part. of praecingere to gird about, from prae- + cingere to gird]