An`te*ced"en*cy (&?;), n. The state or condition of being antecedent; priority. Fothherby.
An`te*ced"ent (&?;), a. [L. antecedens, -entis, p. pr. of antecedere: cf. F. antécédent.] 1. Going before in time; prior; anterior; preceding; as, an event antecedent to the Deluge; an antecedent cause.