precontract

[ noun pree-kon-trakt; verb pree-kuhn-trakt, -kon-trakt ]

/ noun priˈkɒn trækt; verb ˌpri kənˈtrækt, -ˈkɒn trækt /

Save This Word!

noun

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

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

verb (used with object)

to bind by means of a precontract.

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

verb (used without object)

to make a precontract.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of precontract

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

OTHER WORDS FROM precontract

pre·con·trac·tive, adjectivepre·con·trac·tu·al

[pree-kuhn-trak-choo-uhl], /ˌpri kənˈtræk tʃu əl/, adjective

Words nearby precontract

precondition, preconize, preconquest, preconscious, preconsonantal, precontract, precook, precool, precrime, precritical, precursor

How to use precontract in a sentence

In soccer, players are allowed to sign a precontract with another club, free of any hefty transfer fees that would weigh down a potential deal.
Mesut Özil playing for D.C. United seems unlikely. But it’s not impossible.|Steven Goff|January 14, 2021|Washington Post
The ostensible reason for the divorce was a precontract between Anne and Francis of Lorraine.
Christina of Denmark, Duchess of Milan and Lorraine, 1522-1590|Julia Cartwright
She alleged a precontract on the part of her husband, Angus, which was never proved.
Henry VIII.|A. F. Pollard

British Dictionary definitions for precontract

precontract

noun (priːˈkɒntrækt)

a contract or arrangement made beforehand, esp a betrothal

verb (ˌpriːkənˈtrækt)

to betroth or enter into a betrothal by previous agreement

to make (an agreement, etc) by prior arrangement

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012