precedent

名词 precedent:

1. an example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a later time
   同义词：case in point
2. (civil law) a law established by following earlier judicial decisions
   同义词：case law, common law
3. a system of jurisprudence based on judicial precedents rather than statutory laws
   同义词：common law, case law
4. a subject mentioned earlier (preceding in time)

形容词 precedent:

1. preceding in time, order, or significance

1. My decision does not constitute (ie should not be regarded as) a precedent.
   我的决定下不为例。
2. A rule or principle of law, especially when established by precedent.
   法律原则尤其由先例形成的法律的原理、规则
3. Imposing a lenient sentence for such a serious crime sets a dangerous precedent.
   对这样严重的罪行轻判就开了个危险的先例。
4. This decision creates a dangerous precedent.
   这个决定开创了一个危险的先例。
5. This intervention in another nation's affairs has set a precedent which we hope other countries will not follow.
   对别国事物的这种干涉开了一个先例，我们希望其他国家不要模仿。

prec.e.dent

n.（名词）

An act or instance that may be used as an example in dealing with subsequent similar instances.
先例：在处理今后类似事件时可用作示范的行为或事例
Law A judicial decision that may be used as a standard in subsequent similar cases:
【法律】 判例：在今后类似案件中可作为标准的司法决定：
例句：
a landmark decision that set a legal precedent.
确立了法律判例的里程碑式的决定

Convention or custom arising from long practice:
惯例：经长期实行而形成的常规或习俗：
例句：
The President followed historical precedent in forming the Cabinet.
总统遵循历史惯例来组成内阁

adj.（形容词）

Preceding.
在先的

来源：
Middle English
中古英语
from Old French
源自 古法语
from Latin praecôdôns praecôdent- [present participle of] praecôdere [to go before] * see precede
源自 拉丁语 praecôdôns praecôdent- [] praecôdere的现在分词 [在前面] *参见 precede