Home1778 Edition

PRECEDENCE

Volume 9 · 65 words · 1778 Edition

a place of honour to which a person is entitled. This is either of courtesy or of right. The former is that which is due to age, estate, &c. which is regulated by custom and civility: the latter Precedent latter is settled by authority; and, when broken in upon, gives an action at law. For the rules of precedence in Britain, see Heraldry, p. 3612.