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Precedent vs Precedency - What's the difference?

precedent | precedency |

As a verb precedent

is .

As a noun precedency is

precedence; superiority.

precedent

Alternative forms

* (archaic)

Noun

(en noun)
  • An act in the past which may be used as an example to help decide the outcome of similar instances in the future.
  • * Hooker
  • Examples for cases can but direct as precedents only.
  • (legal) A decided case which is cited or used as an example to justify a judgment in a subsequent case.
  • (obsolete, with definite article) The aforementioned (thing).
  • *, New York 2001, p.74:
  • A third argument may be derived from the precedent .
  • The previous version.
  • (obsolete) A rough draught of a writing which precedes a finished copy.
  • (Shakespeare)

    Derived terms

    * binding precedent * declaratory precedent * original precedent * persuasive precedent * precedented * precedential * precedent-setting * precedent sub silentio * unprecedented

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Happening or taking place earlier in time; previous or preceding.
  • *, III.2.1.i:
  • In the precedent section mention was made, amongst other pleasant objects, of this comeliness and beauty which proceeds from women […].

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (legal) To provide precedents for.
  • (legal) To be a precedent for.
  • See also

    * stare decisis ----

    precedency

    English

    Noun

    (precedencies)
  • Precedence; superiority.
  • *, II.12:
  • *:Archimedes master of this Science, and who in truth and certaintie assumeth unto himselfe a precedencie above all others, saith, the Sunne is a God of enflamed yron.
  • (obsolete) The fact of serving as a precedent.