precontract

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

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.

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

noun

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

verb

1. to betroth or enter into a betrothal by previous agreement
2. to make (an agreement, etc) by prior arrangement

Other Words From

• precon·tractive adjective
• pre·con·trac·tu·al [pree-k, uh, n-, trak, -choo-, uh, l], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of precontract¹

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

Example Sentences

Over the winter, while still a member of Austria’s Rapid Vienna, he signed a precontract, a mechanism unique to soccer that allows players to find a new home within six months of their current deal expiring.

From Washington Post

The Greek forward signed a precontract in January and wasn’t scheduled to join the team until July.

From Washington Post

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

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

From Washington Post

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

From Washington Post