precedent

Meanings

Plural: precedents

Noun

an example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a later time
(civil law) a law established by following earlier judicial decisions
a system of jurisprudence based on judicial precedents rather than statutory laws
a subject mentioned earlier (preceding in time)
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 Satellite

preceding in time, order, or significance

Adj

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 / Etymology

From Middle French, from Old French, from Latin praecēdēns, present participle of praecēdere (“to precede”); See precede.

Synonyms

antecedent, case in point, case law, common law, predecessive

Scrabble Score: 14

precedent is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
precedent is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
precedent is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 17

precedent is a valid Words With Friends word