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 succeeded2archaic : ancestor