precedent
noun
1. an example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a later time
Definition categories: thought, example, illustration, instance, representative
2. (civil law) a law established by following earlier judicial decisions
Definition categories: communication
3. a system of jurisprudence based on judicial precedents rather than statutory laws
Definition categories: group, jurisprudence, law
4. a subject mentioned earlier (preceding in time)
Definition categories: communication, subject, theme, topic
verb
1. (transitive, law) To provide precedents for.
2. (transitive, law) To be a precedent for.