precedent

Definitions

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. A decided case which is cited or used as an example to justify a judgment in a subsequent case.
3. An established habit or custom.
4. The aforementioned (thing).
   obsolete, with-definite-article
5. The previous version.
6. A rough draught of a writing which precedes a finished copy.
   obsolete

Equivalents

Examples

“Examples for cases can but direct⟳ as precedents only.”

“A third argument may be derived from the precedent.”

“My Lord Melun, let⟳ this be copied out, I did suppose⟳ it should be on constraint ; And keep⟳ it safe for our remembrance : But , heaven be thank'd , it is but voluntary , Return⟳ the precedent to these lords again”

CEFR level