praecĭpĭtĭum, ĭi, n. [praecipito].
I Lit., a steep place , an abrupt descent , a precipice (post-Aug.): in praecipitium propellere, Suet. Aug. 79; Vulg. Judith, 7, 8.—
B Trop.: aut per confragosa vexabitur aut per praecipitia labetur, Lact. 6, 17; cf. Cic. Rep. 2, 41, 68.—
II Transf., a falling headlong , a falling down , a fall : dum aliorum praecipitium vident, Lact. 2, 3: (herba urceolaris) contra, lapsus et praecipitia singularis, Plin. 22, 17, 20, § 43.