Precedent
A Dictionary of Law · William C. Anderson · 1889
A Dictionary of Law
^ 1, adj.
Going before; to happen or be performed before any right under it can vest or be claimed: as, a precedent condition, q. v. 3, n.
An authoritative example
A decision cited in support of a proposition.' See further Decisum, Stare, etc. A draught of a deed, pleading, will, or other instrument serviceable as a model or form. As the title of a law book, " precedents " denotes a collection of forms approved by usage and, perhaps, by judicial decision.