preceding
前導
Pre·cede v. t. [imp. & p. p. Preceded; p. pr. & vb. n. Preceding.]
1. To go before in order of time; to occur first with relation to anything. “Harm precedes not sin.”
2. To go before in place, rank, or importance.
3. To cause to be preceded; to preface; to introduce; -- used with by or with before the instrumental object. [R.]
It is usual to precede hostilities by a public declaration. --Kent.
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Pre·ced·ing, a.
1. Going before; -- opposed to following.
2. Astron. In the direction toward which stars appear to move. See Following, 2.
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preceding
adj 1: existing or coming before [syn: preceding(a)] [ant: succeeding(a)]
2: preceding in time or order [syn: antecedent] [ant: subsequent]
3: of a person who has held and relinquished a position or
office; "a retiring member of the board" [syn: past(a),
preceding(a), retiring(a)]