Definition of "precontract" []

• An existing contract that obviates the making of another contract of the same kind: a precontract of marriage. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "However, the Standard states that if such "precontract" costs are re - liably measurable and it is probable that the contract will be secured, then such costs are included as part of the overall contract cost."
• "Perhaps he also knew, or had good reason to believe, that the Eleanor Butler precontract story was not the case."
• "On 9 July the convocation pronounced the marriage invalid, on the grounds of a possible precontract and on a lack of inward consent for the bridegroom."