precedence Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun status established in order of importance or urgency
    priority; precedency.
    • ...its precedence as the world's leading manufacturer of pharmaceuticals
    • national independence takes priority over class struggle
  2. noun preceding in time
    antecedency; anteriority; priority; antecedence; precedency.
  3. noun the act of preceding in time or order or rank (as in a ceremony)
    precedency; precession.

WordNet

Pre*ced"ence, Pre*ced"en*cy noun (Also<
  • Precedence
  • Precedency
)
Etymology
Cf. F. précédence. See Precede.
Definitions
  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; preëminence; preference; superiority.

Webster 1913