The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.
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   2. To go before in place, rank, or importance.
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   3. To cause to be preceded; to preface; to introduce; -- used
      with by or with before the instrumental object. [R.]
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            It is usual to precede hostilities by a public
            declaration.                          --Kent.
      [1913 Webster] Precedence