Middle English Dictionary Entry
precedent n.
Entry Info
| Forms | precedent n. Also preseident. |
| Etymology | From adj. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A previous instance or case used as an example or authoritative guide in a subsequent comparable instance or case; (b) an aforementioned matter, a preceding statement; (c) a previous document adduced in support of a grant; (d) a previous action.
Associated quotations
a
- (1427) RParl.4.326b : Ye Lordes Spirituel and Temporel..serched precydentes of the governaill of ye land in tyme and cas semblable.
- a1450-a1500(1436) Libel EP (Warner)p.25 marg. : A story of destruccione of Denmarke for destruccione of here marchauntes, by a presidente of master Richard Barnett shewynge in a rolle.
- (1465) Let.Bk.Lond.L (Gldh LetBk L)61 : The Kyng..woll that the ereccion and settyng up of the seide Galowes be not president nor ensample therby hereafter to be taken in hurte..of the Fraunchises, libertees, and privileges of the seide Citee.
- (a1475) Fortescue Gov.E.(LdMisc 593)134 : Soche was þe sellynge off Chirke and Chirkes landes, weroff neuer manne see a president.
b
- (1433) RParl.4.425a : My said Lord of Bedford..made hem yerinne diverse faire overtures and offris, and..nought havyng his rewarde to ye said precedents, offerd and agreed hym to serve ye Kyng.
- (1460) Paston2.204 : These preseidentes consedred wolde discorage any man to a-bide but a litel amonges hem that so straunged hem self from me.
c
- (1450) RParl.5.191a : Provided also that this Petition..extende not..to John Botiller, Knyght, to or of any Graunt made by us unto hym of Viewe of Frauncplegge..which we graunted to hym opon certeyn precedentez allowed in Ayer to his Aunceterz.
d
- (c1454) Pecock Fol.(Roy 17.D.9)161/23 : Is it to be seid þat he dooþ it wityngli and willyngli for þat he was wityng and willyng vpon þe antecedent of þis deede, which antecedent or precedent þis man knewe..wole lede him into þis deede?