precedent

noun

1. An act in the past which may be used as an example to help decide the outcome of similar instances in the future.

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

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. (obsolete, with-definite-article)The aforementioned (thing).

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

5. The previous version.
6. (obsolete)A rough draught of a writing which precedes a finished copy.

   “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”

adj

1. (not-comparable)Happening or taking place earlier in time; previous or preceding.
2. (archaic, not-comparable)Coming before in a particular order or arrangement; preceding, foregoing.

   “In the precedent section mention was made, amongst other pleasant objects, of this comeliness and beauty which proceeds from women […].”

verb

1. (transitive)To provide precedents for.
2. (transitive)To be a precedent for.