Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SU-PER-SEDE, v.t. [L. supersedeo; super and sedeo, to sit.]

1. Literally, to set above; hence, to make void, inefficacious or useless by superior power, or by coming in the place of to set aside; to render unnecessary; to suspend. The use of artillery in making breaches in walls, has superseded the use of the battering ram. The effect of passion is to supersede the workings of reason. – South. Nothing is supposed that can supersede the known laws natural motion. – Bentley.
2. To come or be placed in the room of; hence, to displace or render unnecessary; as, an officer is superseded by the appointment of another person.