\Pred`e*ces"sor\ (?; 277), n. [L. praedecessor; prae
before + decessor one who withdraws from the province he has
governed, a retiring officer (with reference to his
successor), a predecessor, fr. decedere: cf. F.
pr['e]d['e]cesseur. See {Decease}.]
One who precedes; one who has preceded another in any state,
position, office, etc.; one whom another follows or comes
after, in any office or position.
      A prince who was as watchful as his predecessor had
      been over the interests of the state.    --Prescott.