precedent

Speech parts

1. precedent - Noun

2. precedent - Adjective

3. precedent - Verb

4. precedent - Adjective Satellite

Meaning

Going before; anterior; preceding; antecedent; as, precedent services.

Something done or said that may serve as an example to authorize a subsequent act of the same kind; an authoritative example.

A preceding circumstance or condition; an antecedent; hence, a prognostic; a token; a sign.

A rough draught of a writing which precedes a finished copy.

A judicial decision which serves as a rule for future determinations in similar or analogous cases; an authority to be followed in courts of justice; forms of proceeding to be followed in similar cases.

Source: Webster's dictionary

Synonyms

example standard model authority pattern custom antecedent common law case law case in point canon foundation sunna original case
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Antonyms

after following later present next future
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Hypernyms

example law subject instance theme representative

Phrases with the word

after what precedent real-life precedent binding precedent constitutional precedent direct precedent judicial precedent

Examples

He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this duty, he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself. Thomas Paine

A precedent embalms a principle. Benjamin Disraeli

As federal lawmakers, we have a responsibility to set a precedent for energy efficient practices. Greg Walden

Precedents deliberately established by wise men are entitled to great weight. They are evidence of truth, but only evidence...But a solitary precedent...which has never been reexamined, cannot be conclusive. Henry Clay

The mark of mediocrity is to look for precedent. Norman Mailer

Is not Precedent indeed a King of men? Algernon Charles Swinburne

Close letter words and terms

precedence effect precedence rule precedency precedent life precedent-related precedental