Previous
/ˈpriːviəs/
Definitions
- (adj.) Existing or occurring before in time or order.
The court referred to the previous ruling on the matter.
- (adj.) Relating to or denoting a former holder of a position or office.
The previous owner was liable for the property taxes.
Related terms
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Commentary
Used chiefly as an adjective to denote temporal precedence; important to distinguish 'previous' from 'prior' in specific legal contexts where 'prior' may have substantive implications.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.