district

Etymology

From French district, from Medieval Latin districtus (“a district within which the lord may distrain, also jurisdiction”), from Latin districtus, past participle of distringere (“to draw asunder, compel, distrain”), from dis- (“apart”) + stringere (“to draw tight, strain”).

noun

1. An administrative division of an area.
   ‘I understand that the district was considered a sort of sanctuary,’ the Chief was saying. ‘An Alsatia like the ancient one behind the Strand, or the Saffron Hill before the First World War. […]’ 1963, Margery Allingham, “Foreword”, in The China Governess
   the Soho district of London
2. An area or region marked by some distinguishing feature.
   the Lake District in Cumbria
3. (UK) An administrative division of a county without the status of a borough.
   South Oxfordshire District Council

verb

1. (transitive) To divide into administrative or other districts.

adj

1. (obsolete) rigorous; stringent; harsh