Precedent

Quick meaning: Precedent is a noun meaning An act in the past which may be used as an example to help decide the outcome of similar instances in the future.

Meaning

An act in the past which may be used as an example to help decide the outcome of similar instances in the future.

More Meanings

1. (law) A decided case which is cited or used as an example to justify a judgment in a subsequent case.
2. An established habit or custom.
3. The previous version.
4. Happening or taking place earlier in time; previous or preceding.
5. (now rare) Coming before in a particular order or arrangement; preceding, foregoing.
6. (obsolete, with definite article) The aforementioned (thing).
7. (obsolete) A rough draught of a writing which precedes a finished copy.

Example Sentences

A third argument may be derived from the precedent.

Examples for cases can but direct as precedents only.

In the precedent section mention was made, amongst other pleasant objects, of this comeliness and beauty which proceeds from women […].

My Lord Melun, let this be copied out, I did suppose it should be on constraint ; And keep it safe for our remembrance : But , heaven be thank'd , it is but voluntary , Return the precedent to these lords again

Word Forms

• precedents
• precedenting
• precedented

Synonyms for precedent

Depending on context, synonyms include antecedent, predecessive, common law.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include preceding, common law, predecessor, precedence, foregoing, previous.

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