English

Etymology

From mediaeval Latin praeceptoria, noun use of the feminine of praeceptorius ‘commanding’.

Pronunciation

/prɪˈsɛptəri/

Noun

1. A community of the Knights Templar, or the physical buildings or estate of such a community.

   • 1819: “The most petty baron may arrest, try, and condemn a witch found within his own domain. And shall that power be denied to the Grand Master of the Temple within a preceptory of his Order?” — Walter Scott, Ivanhoe

A Preceptory was historically the headquarters of the various orders of Christian Knights, such as the Knights Hospitaller and Templar, within a given geographic area. Governed by a Preceptor, who was answerable to the Grand Master of the respective order. A preceptory main focus would be its Church and accommodation for the brethren.

Examples

Hospitaller

• Torphichen Preceptory, West Lothian, Scotland

Templar

• Aslackby Preceptory, Lincolnshire, England
• Temple, Midlothian, Scotland