Precedent
WordNet
adjective
(1) Preceding in time, order, or significance
noun
(2) An example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a later time
(3) (civil law) a law established by following earlier judicial decisions
(4) A subject mentioned earlier (preceding in time)
(5) A system of jurisprudence based on judicial precedents rather than statutory laws
"Common law originated in the unwritten laws of England and was later applied in the United States"
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From Middle English precedent < Old French precedent < Latin praecēdēns (present priniciple of praecēdere, to precede); compare to precede
Noun
- An act in the past which may be used as an example to help decide the outcome of similar instances in the future.
- A decided case which is cited or used as an example to justify a judgment in a subsequent case.
- The aforementioned (thing).
- 1621, Robert Burton, The Anatomy of Melancholy, New York 2001, p. 74:
- A third argument may be derived from the precedent.
- 1621, Robert Burton, The Anatomy of Melancholy, New York 2001, p. 74:
- The previous version.
Adjective
- Happening or taking place earlier in time; previous or preceding.