| / English Dictionary |
PRECEDENT
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
An example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a later time
Synonyms:
case in point; precedent
Classified under:
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents
Hypernyms ("precedent" is a kind of...):
example; illustration; instance; representative (an item of information that is typical of a class or group)
Derivation:
precede (be earlier in time; go back further)
Sense 2
Meaning:
(civil law) a law established by following earlier judicial decisions
Synonyms:
case law; common law; precedent
Classified under:
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents
Hypernyms ("precedent" is a kind of...):
civil law (the body of laws established by a state or nation for its own regulation)
Domain category:
civil law (the body of laws established by a state or nation for its own regulation)
Domain member category:
service ((law) the acts performed by an English feudal tenant for the benefit of his lord which formed the consideration for the property granted to him)
Sense 3
Meaning:
A subject mentioned earlier (preceding in time)
Classified under:
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents
Hypernyms ("precedent" is a kind of...):
subject; theme; topic (the subject matter of a conversation or discussion)
Derivation:
precede (come before)
precedent (preceding in time, order, or significance)
Sense 4
Meaning:
A system of jurisprudence based on judicial precedents rather than statutory laws
Example:
common law originated in the unwritten laws of England and was later applied in the United States
Synonyms:
case law; common law; precedent
Classified under:
Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects
Hypernyms ("precedent" is a kind of...):
jurisprudence; law (the collection of rules imposed by authority)
Domain category:
jurisprudence; law (the collection of rules imposed by authority)
II. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Preceding in time, order, or significance
Classified under:
Similar:
preceding (existing or coming before)
Derivation:
precede (come before)
precede (be earlier in time; go back further)
precedence (the act of preceding in time or order or rank (as in a ceremony))
precedence (preceding in time)
precedency (the act of preceding in time or order or rank (as in a ceremony))
precedent (a subject mentioned earlier (preceding in time))
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