Main Entry: pre·cede

Pronunciation: \pri-ˈsēd\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): pre·ced·ed; pre·ced·ing

Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French preceder, from Latin praecedere, from prae- pre- + cedere to go

Date: 15th century

transitive verb 1 : to surpass in rank, dignity, or importance
2 : to be, go, or come ahead or in front of
3 : to be earlier than
4 : to cause to be preceded : prefaceintransitive verb : to go or come before