precedent

One entry found for precedent.

Main Entry: ²prec·e·dent
Pronunciation: 'pre-s&-d&nt
Function: noun
1 : an earlier occurrence of something similar
2 a : something done or said that may serve as an example or rule to authorize or justify a subsequent act of the same or an analogous kind <a verdict that had no precedent> b : the convention established by such a precedent or by long practice
3 : a person or thing that serves as a model