Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Precede \Pre*cede"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Preceded}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Preceding}.] [L. praecedere, praecessum; prae before
   + cedere to go, to be in motion: cf. F. pr['e]ceder. See
   {Pre-}, and {Cede}.]
   1. To go before in order of time; to occur first with
      relation to anything. ``Harm precedes not sin.'' --Milton.

   2. To go before in place, rank, or importance.

   3. To cause to be preceded; to preface; to introduce; -- used
      with by or with before the instrumental object. [R.]

            It is usual to precede hostilities by a public
            declaration.                          --Kent.