{ Pre‐ced″ence (?), Pre‐ced″en‐cy (?), } 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.
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 has the precedency in determining the will to the next action? Locke.
Syn. — Antecedence; priority; preëminence; preference; superiority.