precedent
nounUK /ˈpres.ɪ.dənt/
US /ˈpres.ə.dənt/
Something that happened before and is used as an example for what to do next time.
The judge followed a precedent from an earlier case.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A past action or decision that serves as a reason for a similar action later.
The new rule set a precedent for future school events.
3. In law, a court decision that guides how similar cases are decided.
Lawyers studied the precedent before going to court.
4. An earlier event that is considered an example or warning.
There is no precedent for such a big storm in this town.