precedent
noun
• an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances.
• "there are substantial precedents for using interactive media in training"
Similar:
model,
exemplar,
example,
pattern,
previous case,
prior case,
previous instance/example,
prior instance/example,
paradigm,
criterion,
yardstick,
standard,
lead,
guide,
precedent
adjective
• preceding in time, order, or importance.
• "a precedent case"
Origin:
late Middle English: from Old French, literally ‘preceding’.
