Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PRE-CEDE', v.t. [L. præcedo; præ, before, and cedo, to move.]

1. To go before in the order of time. The corruption of morals precedes the ruin of a state.
2. To go before in rank or importance.
3. To cause something to go before; to make to take place in prior time. It is usual to precede hostilities by a public declaration. [Unusual.] – Kent.