CARD 2 OF 2
precedent
noun
Reveal meaning and examples
An earlier example that can guide a later decision or action.
Allowing the exception would set a precedent for future requests.
A volunteer journal reached a juncture at which it had to choose between publishing one large annual issue and several shorter issues. The editor found a precedent in an earlier experiment recorded by her predecessor, who had tried a short spring edition when submissions were unusually numerous.