n.
Pronunciation: ' pre-d ə - ˌ se-s ə r, ' pr ē -; ˌ pre-d ə - ' , ˌ pr ē -
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English predecessour, from Anglo-French predecessur, from Late Latin praedecessor, from Latin prae- pre- + decessor retiring governor, from decedere to depart, retire from office ― more at DECEASE
Date: 14th century
1 : one that precedes especially : a person who has previously occupied a position or office to which another has succeeded
2 archaic : ANCESTOR