Precedent Definition

prĕsĭ-dənt

precedents

noun

precedents

An act, statement, legal decision, case, etc. that may serve as an example, reason, or justification for a later one.

Webster's New World

A judicial decision that is binding on other equal or lower courts in the same jurisdiction as to its conclusion on a point of law, and may also be persuasive to courts in other jurisdictions, in subsequent cases involving sufficiently similar facts.

American Heritage

A practice based upon earlier precedents.

Webster's New World

The previous version.

Wiktionary

Synonyms:

adjective

That precedes; preceding.

Webster's New World

Something that came before, hence preceded the event currently in question, such as a previously decided case. It may serve as a model for the interpretation of a law, or disposition as a case.

Webster's New World Law

Happening or taking place earlier in time; previous or preceding. [from 14th c.]

Wiktionary

(now rare) Coming before in a particular order or arrangement; preceding, foregoing. [from 15th c.]

Wiktionary

Synonyms:

verb

(law) To provide precedents for.

Wiktionary

(law) To be a precedent for.

Wiktionary

Other Word Forms of Precedent

Noun

Singular:

precedent

Plural:

precedents

Origin of Precedent

Middle English from Old French from Latin praecēdēns praecēdent- present participle of praecēdere to go before precede

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From Middle English, from Old French, from Latin praecÄ“dÄ“ns, present participle of praecÄ“dere (“to precede"); See precede.

From Wiktionary