Precedence
Pronunciation : Pre*ced"ence, Pre*ced"en*cy
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [Cf. F. pr?c?dence. See Precede.]
Definition : 1. The act or state of preceding or going before in order of time; priority; as, one event has precedence of another.
2. The act or state of going or being before in rank or dignity, or the place of honor; right to a more honorable place; superior rank; as, barons have precedence of commoners. Which of them [the different desires] has the precedency in determining the will to the next action Locke.
Syn. -- Antecedence; priority; pre?minence; preference; superiority.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913