名詞 precedent:

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

形容詞 precedent:

1. preceding in time, order, or significance

1. My decision does not constitute (ie should not be regarded as) a precedent.
   我的決定下不為例。
2. A rule or principle of law, especially when established by precedent.
   法律原則尤其由先例形成的法律的原理、規(guī)則
3. Imposing a lenient sentence for such a serious crime sets a dangerous precedent.
   對這樣嚴重的罪行輕判就開了個危險的先例。
4. This decision creates a dangerous precedent.
   這個決定開創(chuàng)了一個危險的先例。
5. This intervention in another nation's affairs has set a precedent which we hope other countries will not follow.
   對別國事物的這種干涉開了一個先例，我們希望其他國家不要模仿。

prec.e.dent

n.（名詞）

An act or instance that may be used as an example in dealing with subsequent similar instances.
先例：在處理今后類似事件時可用作示范的行為或事例
Law A judicial decision that may be used as a standard in subsequent similar cases:
【法律】 判例：在今后類似案件中可作為標準的司法決定：
例句：
a landmark decision that set a legal precedent.
確立了法律判例的里程碑式的決定

Convention or custom arising from long practice:
慣例：經(jīng)長期實行而形成的常規(guī)或習俗：
例句：
The President followed historical precedent in forming the Cabinet.
總統(tǒng)遵循歷史慣例來組成內(nèi)閣

adj.（形容詞）

Preceding.
在先的

來源：
Middle English
中古英語
from Old French
源自 古法語
from Latin praecôdôns praecôdent- [present participle of] praecôdere [to go before] * see precede
源自 拉丁語 praecôdôns praecôdent- [] praecôdere的現(xiàn)在分詞 [在前面] *參見 precede