Refers to a past action, decision, or pattern that serves as a guide or standard for future cases. Often used in formal or legal contexts.
This ruling will serve as a precedent for similar cases in the future.
His conduct became a model for other employees.
Compound of 儀 (ceremony, formality) and 範 (pattern, model). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination suggests a formal pattern or standard to be followed.