precedency

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: prec=e=den=cy

CIDE DICTIONARY

precedency, n. [Cf. F. précédence. See Precede.].

•  The act or state of preceding or going before in order of time; priority; as, one event has precedence of another.  [1913 Webster]
•  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.  [1913 Webster]

  "Which of them [the different desires] has the precedency in determining the will to the next action?"  [1913 Webster]

Syn. -- Antecedence; priority; pre'89minence; preference; superiority.