precontract

plural precontracts · alternative pre-contract

1. lawA contract preceding another, especially a contract of marriage which, according to the ancient law, rendered void a subsequent marriage solemnized in violation of it.

   A followed in the Federal courts , to the precontract , valid by the Constitution and laws judice of holders for value who acquired their of a State

   1867, Benjamin Vaughan Abbott, Digest of the Reports of the United States Courts and Acts of Congress

   1 more example

   Two grounds are surmised , by opposite parties : a pre-contract with Percy , Earl of Northumberland ; and an adulterous intercourse of Henry , many years preceding , with Anne's sister , Mary Boleyn.

   1726, John Ayliffe, Parergon Juris Canonici Anglicani: Or, A Commentary, by Way of Supplement to the Canons and Constitutions of the Church of England. […], London: […] D. Leach, and sold by John Walthoe […], →OCLC

present singular third person precontracts · participle present precontracting · participle past precontracted · past precontracted · alternative pre-contract

1. To contract prior to another process.
2. To make a previous contract.