They set an example for their followers (10)

I believe the answer is:

precedents

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'they' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are plural nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for precedents that I've seen before include "historical justifications" , "previous cases?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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