Main Entry: pre·de·ces·sor

Pronunciation: \ˈpre-də-ˌse-sər, ˈprē-; ˌpre-də-ˈ, ˌprē-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English predecessour, from Anglo-French predecessur, from Late Latin praedecessor, from Latin prae- pre- + decessor retiring governor, from decedere to depart, retire from office — more at decease

Date: 14th century

1 : one that precedes; especially : a person who has previously occupied a position or office to which another has succeeded
2 archaic : ancestor