adj.
1.preceding in time, order, or significance precedent n.
1.an example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a later time
2.(civil law) a law established by following earlier judicial decisions
3.a system of jurisprudence based on judicial precedents rather than statutory laws
4.a subject mentioned earlier (preceding in time)
Idiom of the Day
weasel out of (something)
to decide not to do something in a sneaky way
My friend weaseled out of helping us clean up the yard.