Category:Precedence

Pre*ced"ence, pre*ced"en*cy, n. Etym: [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.

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. Which of them [the different desires] has the precedency in Determining the will to the next action locke.

Syn. -- antecedence; priority; preëminence; preference; superiority.