{ } n. [ Cf. F. précédence. See Precede. ] 1. The act or state of preceding or going before in order of time; priority; as, one event has precedence of another. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. The act or state of going or being before in rank or dignity, or the place of honor; right to a more honorable place; superior rank; as, barons have precedence of commoners. [ 1913 Webster ] Which of them [ the different desires ] has the precedency in determining the will to the next action? Locke. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- Antecedence; priority; preëminence; preference; superiority. [ 1913 Webster ] Variants: Precedence |