Precedent
/pɹɪˈsiː.dənt/
noun
An act in the past which may be used as an example to help decide the outcome of similar instances in the future.
A decided case which is cited or used as an example to justify a judgment in a subsequent case.
An established habit or custom.
verb
To provide precedents for.
To be a precedent for.
adjective
Happening or taking place earlier in time; previous or preceding.
Coming before in a particular order or arrangement; preceding, foregoing.