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. pr'ecis. 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.
© Webster 1913.