Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PRO-CEED'ING, n.

1. Process or movement from one thing to another; a measure or step taken in business; transaction; in the plural, a course of measures or conduct; course of dealing with others. We speak of a legal or an illegal proceeding, a cautious proceeding, a violent proceeding. In the plural, the proceedings of the legislature have been wise and salutary. It is our duty to acquiesce cheerfully in all God's proceedings toward us.
2. In law, the course of steps or measures in the prosecution of action is denominated proceedings. [See Process.]