英汉词典

1. 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.

    e.g. The trial could set an important precedent for dealing with large numbers of similar cases...
           这次审判能为处理大量类似案例开创重要的先例。
    e.g. There are plenty of precedents in Hollywood for letting people out of contracts.
           在好莱坞，允许影视人员解除合同的先例有很多。