Pre*cede" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Preceded; p. pr. & vb. n. Preceding.] [L. praecedere, praecessum; prae before + cedere to go, to be in motion: cf. F. pr'eceder. See Pre-, and Cede.] 1. To go before in order of time; to occur first with relation to anything. "Harm precedes not sin."
Milton.
2. To go before in place, rank, or importance.
3. To cause to be preceded; to preface; to introduce; -- used with by or with before the instrumental object. [R.]
It is usual to precede hostilities by a public declaration.
Kent.
© Webster 1913. | 
