Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Predecessor \Pred`e*ces"sor\ (?; 277), n. [L. praedecessor; prae
   before + decessor one who withdraws from the province he has
   governed, a retiring officer (with reference to his
   successor), a predecessor, fr. decedere: cf. F.
   pr['e]d['e]cesseur. See {Decease}.]
   One who precedes; one who has preceded another in any state,
   position, office, etc.; one whom another follows or comes
   after, in any office or position.

         A prince who was as watchful as his predecessor had
         been over the interests of the state.    --Prescott.

Source : WordNet®

predecessor
     n : one who precedes you in time (as in holding a position or
         office)

Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

predecessor
     
        {parent}