Definition of: precedent

(pres′ə·dənt) noun
1. Previous usage or established mode of precedure.
2. An antecedent.
3. A judicial decision taken as furnishing a rule for subsequent decisions.
—pre·ce·dent (pri·sēd′nt) adjective
Former: previous; preceding. [<F précédent <L praecedens, -entis, ppr. of praecedere. See PRECEDE.] Synonyms (noun): antecedent, case, example, instance, pattern, warrant. A precedent is an authoritative case, example, or instance. Cases decided by irregular or unauthorized tribunals are not precedents for the regular administration of law. See ANTECEDENT, CAUSE, EXAMPLE.