"Precipe" does not appear to be a valid English word. The closest match is the word "precipice" /'prɛsəpɪs/, which is spelled with a "c" instead of a "r". The word refers to a steep cliff or a hazardous situation that could lead to a disastrous downfall. It is interesting to note that many English words, especially those of Latin origin, can be deciphered through their IPA phonetic transcription, which captures the sounds of each individual letter or combination of letters.
See Praecipe.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.