{ 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 [the different desires] has the precedency in determining
the will to
the next action?
Locke. Syn. -- Antecedence; priority; preëminence; preference; superiority.
Hear it pronounced