GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found one definition

1.       
   Precede , 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. préceder. See Pre-, and Cede.]
   To go before in order of time; to occur first with relation to anything. “Harm precedes not sin.” 
   Milton.
   
   1913 Webster
   To go before in place, rank, or importance.
   1913 Webster
   To cause to be preceded; to preface; to introduce; -- used with by or with before the instrumental object. [R.]
   1913 Webster
   It is usual to precede hostilities by a public declaration.
   Kent.
   
   1913 Webster