praecipe

[ pree-suh-pee, pres-uh- ]
/ ˈpri səˌpi, ˈprɛs ə- /

noun Law.

any of various legal writs commanding a defendant to do something or to appear and show why it should not be done.
a written order addressed to the clerk of the court requesting that a writ be issued and specifying its contents.

Origin of praecipe

1400–50; late Middle English presepe < Latin praecipe, 2nd singular imperative of praecipere to take in advance; see precept