precontract

American  

[pree-kon-trakt, pree-kuhn-trakt, -kon-trakt] / priˈkɒn trækt, ˌpri kənˈtrækt, -ˈkɒn trækt /

noun

1. a preexisting contract that legally prevents a person from making another contract of the same nature.

2. (formerly) such an agreement constituting a legally binding betrothal.

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verb (used with object)

1. to bind by means of a precontract.

2. to contract for or agree to do (something) by means of a precontract.

verb (used without object)

1. to make a precontract.

precontract British  

noun

1. a contract or arrangement made beforehand, esp a betrothal

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verb

1. to betroth or enter into a betrothal by previous agreement

2. to make (an agreement, etc) by prior arrangement

Other Word Forms

• precontractive
  adjective
• precontractual
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of precontract

1375–1425; late Middle English (noun); see pre-, contract

Example Sentences

New England goalkeeper Matt Turner, a U.S. national team member, also signed a precontract, with Arsenal in the Premier League, which he will join this summer.

From Washington Post • Feb. 25, 2022

By signing a precontract, Fountas is slated to arrive this summer, when his deal with Austrian club Rapid Vienna expires.

From Washington Post • Jan. 25, 2022

Blum, who has extensive electrical training, said his precontract inspections are one-hour walk-throughs, a “walk-and-talk” in agent-speak.

From Washington Post • Apr. 7, 2021

A one-hour precontract inspection ranges from $195 to $275 depending on house size.

From Washington Post • Apr. 7, 2021

That there had been a precontract or marriage between Edward the Fourth and lady Eleanor Talbot; and that Richard's claim to the crown was founded on the illegitimacy of Edward's children.

From Historic Doubts on the Life and Reign of King Richard the Third by Walpole, Horace