precedent

/ˈpres·ɪ·dənt/ n [C/U]

Definition

› a previous action, situation, or decision that can be used as a reason or example for a similar action or decision at a later time: [C] Conditions have changed enormously, and the past is not much of a precedent. [U] Precedent indicated that a change would take place sooner rather than later.

(Definition of precedent n from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)