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

Toronto FC’s acquisition of Italian winger Lorenzo Insigne introduced a soccer-centric term probably unfamiliar to casual fans: precontract.

From Washington Post • Feb. 25, 2022

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

They held that their country was under a precontract to the Most High, and could never, while the world lasted, enter into any engagement inconsistent with that precontract.

From The History of England, from the Accession of James II — Volume 3 by Macaulay, Thomas Babington Macaulay, Baron