precedence precedence /ˈprɛsədəns/

noun

1. () Status established in order of importance or urgency  ( precedency , precedence , priority )
   status established in order of importance or urgency
    ...its precedence as the world's leading manufacturer of pharmaceuticals
   ...its precedence as the world's leading manufacturer of pharmaceuticals
    National independence takes priority over class struggle
   national independence takes priority over class struggle
   
2. The act of preceding in time, order or rank (as in a ceremony)  ( precedence , precedency , precession )
   the act of preceding in time, order or rank (as in a ceremony)
   
3. Preceding in time  ( antecedence , antecedency , anteriority , precedence , precedency , priority )
   preceding in time