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(duì)這樣嚴(yán)重的罪行輕判就開(kāi)了個(gè)危險(xiǎn)的先例。
4. This decision creates a dangerous precedent.
   這個(gè)決定開(kāi)創(chuàng)了一個(gè)危險(xiǎn)的先例。
5. This intervention in another nation's affairs has set a precedent which we hope other countries will not follow.
   對(duì)別國(guó)事物的這種干涉開(kāi)了一個(gè)先例，我們希望其他國(guó)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(shí)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(biāo)準(zhǔn)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(zhǎng)期實(shí)行而形成的常規(guī)或習(xí)俗：
例句：
The President followed historical precedent in forming the Cabinet.
總統(tǒng)遵循歷史慣例來(lái)組成內(nèi)閣

adj.（形容詞）

Preceding.
在先的

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