Definitions for "Precepts"
a principal or instruction intended especially as a general rule of action
A basic set of standards for moral conduct: to refrain from killing, stealing, harmful sexual behavior, lying and the use of intoxicants. These are the five "normal" precepts for the laity; more extensive sets may apply to persons in special circumstances, e.g. the monastic community.
Specific rules of conduct; used in Theravada, but not in Nichiren Buddhism.
Preceptorials. Most humanities and social science courses at Princeton include two lectures and one preceptorial each week. The precept (from the Latin praecipere, “to teach”) is a small discussion group.