Definitions for precedent

• Definition
• Anagrams (249)

precedent prec·e·dent

Spelling: [noun pres-i-duh nt; adjective pri- Precedent is a 9 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 14 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 17 points.

You can make 249 anagrams from letters in precedent (cdeeenprt).

Definitions for precedent

noun

1. Law. a legal decision or form of proceeding serving as an authoritative rule or pattern in future similar or analogous cases.
2. any act, decision, or case that serves as a guide or justification for subsequent situations. Synonyms: example, model, pattern, standard.

adjective

1. going or coming before; preceding; anterior.

Origin of precedent

1350-1400; (adj.) Middle English Latin praecēdent- (stem of praecēdēns) present participle of praecēdere to go before, precede (see Examples for precedent

No doubt I should present a precedent in undertaking to look after his in like circumstances.

When you start thinking about it, I suppose we set some kind of precedent here.

Alito opened the door by questioning the “anomalous” Abood precedent, which lets states coerce union members into paying dues.

By all the rules of precedent and South Harniss business the other should have been at the store.

But let us bear in mind that Alexander did not lack a precedent for this particular act.

It had the authority of precedent in uncounted graduate classes.

Tyner pointed the Hattiesburg race as precedent for having a second election.

The precedent this new law (Act 697) sets is alarming, according to its opponents.

He experimented boldly without much regard for precedent or the status quo.

But Leonard claims that the reserve could set a precedent for the federal government closing more high-use areas to sport fishing.