Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - precinct

 noun  Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin praecinctum, from Latin, neuter of praecinctus, past participle of praecingere to gird, encircle, from prae- pre- + cingere to gird — more at cincture  Date: 15th century  1. a part of a territory with definite bounds or functions often established for administrative purposes ; district: as  a. a subdivision of a county, town, city, or ward for election purposes  b. a division of a city for police control  2.  a. an enclosure bounded by the walls of a building — often used in plural  b. a sphere of thought, action, or influence — often used in plural  3.  a. plural the region immediately surrounding a place ; environs  b. place, locale  4. boundary — often used in plural a ruined tower within the ~s of the squire's grounds — T. L. Peacock