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

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

From Washington Post • Apr. 13, 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

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

From Washington Post • Apr. 7, 2021

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

I bound by precontract Your bride, our bondslave! not though all the gold That veins the world were packed to make your crown, And every spoken tongue should lord you.

From The Princess by Tennyson, Alfred Tennyson, Baron