Pre*side" (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Presided; p. pr. & vb. n. Presiding.] [L. praesidere; prae before + sedere to sit: cf. F. pr'esider. See Sit.]
1.
To be set, or to sit, in the place of authority; to occupy the place of president, chairman, moderator, director, etc.; to direct, control, and regulate, as chief officer; as, to preside at a public meeting; to preside over the senate.
2.
To exercise superintendence; to watch over.
Some o'er the public magazines preside.
Dryden.
© Webster 1913.