Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Preside \Pre*side"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Presided}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Presiding}.] [L. praesidere; prae before + sedere to
   sit: cf. F. pr['e]sider. See {Sit}.]
   1. To be set, or to sit, in the place of authority; to occupy
      the place of president, chairman, moderator, director,
      etc.; to direct, control, and regulate, as chief officer;
      as, to preside at a public meeting; to preside over the
      senate.

   2. To exercise superintendence; to watch over.

            Some o'er the public magazines preside. --Dryden.

Presiding \Pre*sid"ing\,
   a. & n. from {Preside}.

   {Presiding elder}. See under 2d {Elder}.