Definition of precedents:
(n) :
An act in the past which may be used as an example to help decide the outcome of similar instances in the future.
(n) :
(law) A decided case which is cited or used as an example to justify a judgment in a subsequent case.
(adj) :
Happening or taking place earlier in time; previous or preceding.
(n) :
An established habit or custom.
(n) :
The previous version.
(v) :
(transitive, law) To provide precedents for.