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
kangaroo court
an illegal court formed by a group of people to settle a dispute among themselves
There was a kangaroo court in movie after the ranchers arrested the criminal.