precedent

Meanings

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.
• An established habit or custom.
• The aforementioned (thing).
• The previous version.
• A rough draught of a writing which precedes a finished copy.

Adjective

• Happening or taking place earlier in time; previous or preceding.
• Coming before in a particular order or arrangement; preceding, foregoing.

Verb

• To provide precedents for.
• To be a precedent for.

Origin

• From Middle French, from Old French, from Latin praecēdēns, present participle of praecedo; See precede.