N-VAR 前例;先例 If there is a precedent for an action or event, it has happened before, and this can be regarded as an argument for doing it again. 前例;先例 [formal]
The trial could set an important precedent for dealing with large numbers of similar cases. [+ for]
这次审判能为处理大量类似案例开创重要的先例。
There are plenty of precedents in Hollywood for letting people out of contracts.