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Something done or said that may serve as an example to authorize a subsequent act of the same kind; an authoritative example. Examples for cases can but direct as precedents only. Hooker.

Preciousness; something precious. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.

Something concerted or arranged beforehand; a previous agreement.

Preceding as a precursor or harbinger; indicating something to follow; as, precursory symptoms of a fever.

To determine (something) beforehand. Sir M. Hale.

The quality or state of being predicable, or affirmable of something, or attributed to something. Reid.

Capable of being predicated or affirmed of something; affirmable; attributable.

To assert to belong to something; to affirm (one thing of another); as, to predicate whiteness of snow.

A previous liking; a prepossession of mind in favor of something; predisposition to choose or like; partiality. Burke.

To exist previously; to exist before something else.

Existence in a former state, or previous to something else. Wisdom declares her antiquity and preëxistence to all the works of this earth. T. Burnet.

Something spoken as introductory to a discourse, or written as introductory to a book or essay; a proem; an introduction, or series of preliminary remarks. This superficial tale Is but a preface of her worthy praise. Shak. Heaven's high behest no preface needs. Milton.

To carry or bring (something) forward, or before one; hence, to bring for consideration, acceptance, judgment, etc.; to offer; to present; to proffer; to address; -- said especially of a request, prayer, petition, claim, charge, etc. He spake, and to her hand preferred the bowl. Pope. Presently prefer his suit to Cæsar…

Worthy to be preferred or chosen before something else; more desirable; as, a preferable scheme. Addison.

A preliminary inquiry and determination about something which belongs to a matter in dispute.

That which precedes the main discourse, work, design, or business; something introductory or preparatory; as, the preliminaries to a negotiation or duel; to take one's preliminaries the year before entering college.

Of the nature of a prelude; introductory; indicating that something of a like kind is to follow. "Prelusive drops." Thomson. -- Pre*lu"sive*ly, adv.

A proposition antecedently supposed or proved; something previously stated or assumed as the basis of further argument; a condition; a supposition. The premises observed, Thy will by my performance shall be served. Shak.

Something offered or given for the loan of money; bonus; -- sometimes synonymous with interest, but generally signifying a sum in addition to the capital. People were tempted to lend, by great premiums and large interest. Swift.

A notice or notion which precedes something else in time; previous notion or thought; foreknowledge. Bacon.