/pres"i deuhns, pri seed"ns/ , n.
1. act or fact of preceding.
2. the right to precede in order, rank, or importance; priority.
3. the fact of preceding in time; antedating.
4. the right to precede others in ceremonies or social formalities.
5. the order to be observed in ceremonies by persons of different ranks, as by diplomatic protocol.
[ 1475-85; PRECED(ENT) + -ENCE ]