Pre*ced"ence (?), Pre*ced"en*cy (?), n. [Cf. F. pr'ec'edence. 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; preeminence; preference; superiority.
© Webster 1913.