in general, something that goes before another, either in order of time or place.

in grammar, the words to which a relative refers.

in logic, is the first of the two propositions in an enthymeme.

in mathematics, is the first of two terms of a ratio, or that which is compared with the other.

ANTECEDENCE, in astronomy, an apparent motion of a planet towards the west, or contrary to the order of the signs.