from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Precede \Pre*cede"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Preceded}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Preceding}.] [L. praecedere, praecessum; prae before
+ cedere to go, to be in motion: cf. F. pr['e]ceder. See
{Pre-}, and {Cede}.]
1. To go before in order of time; to occur first with
relation to anything. "Harm precedes not sin." --Milton.
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2. To go before in place, rank, or importance.
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3. To cause to be preceded; to preface; to introduce; -- used
with by or with before the instrumental object. [R.]
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It is usual to precede hostilities by a public
declaration. --Kent.
[1913 Webster] Precedence