Emily Dickinson Lexicon

precede (-ed, preceding, -s), v. [Fr. < L. præcēděre, go before, excel.] (webplay: go, life).

1. Come before; occur previous to; arrive earlier than.
2. Introduce; preface; initiate; commence; usher in.
3. Lead; scout; forge ahead; blaze a trail; act as a forerunner; find a path through unexplored territory; experience in advance.