/ˈpresɪdənt/1
- an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances先例, 前例：
there are substantial precedents for using interactive media in training
利用交互式媒体进行培训已有很多先例
mass noun breaking with all precedent.打破一切先例。
1.1
- Law a previous case or legal decision that may be or (binding precedent) must be followed in subsequent similar cases【律】判例：
we hope to set a legal precedent to protect hundreds of miles of green lanes.
我们希望开创一个保护几百英里绿色通道的判例。
词源
late Middle English: from Old French， literally 'preceding'.