precedent

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Translations 1.3.2 Derived terms 1.3.3 See also 1.4 Adjective 1.4.1 Translations

[edit] English

Wikipedia

[edit] Etymology

From Middle English precedent < Old French precedent < Latin praecēdēns (present priniciple of praecēdere, to precede); compare to precede

[edit] Pronunciation

• enPR: /prĕs'ĭ-dənt/, /prĕs'ĭ-dənt/ for adjective sense
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

[edit] Noun

precedent (plural precedents)

1. An act in the past which may be used as an example to help decide the outcome of similar instances in the future.
2. (law) A decided case which is cited or used as an example to justify a judgment in a subsequent case.
3. (obsolete, with definite article) The aforementioned (thing).
   • 1621, Robert Burton, The Anatomy of Melancholy, New York 2001, p. 74:

     A third argument may be derived from the precedent.

4. The previous version.

[edit] Translations

[edit] Derived terms

• binding precedent
• declaratory precedent
• original precedent
• persuasive precedent
• precedential
• precedent-setting
• precedent sub silentio
• unprecedented

[edit] See also

• stare decisis

[edit] Adjective

precedent (not comparable)

1. Happening or taking place earlier in time; previous or preceding.

[edit] Translations