precedency

/ˈprɛsɪdənsi/
noun
  1. The condition of being earlier in time or order; priority.
    • Historians debated the precedency of the two ancient manuscripts.
    • The precedency of the older tradition was respected in the ceremony.
    • In the queue, precedency is given to those with young children.
  2. The right to be placed before others in rank or importance; superiority.
    • The ancient rules of precedency determined who spoke first in the council.
    • In the company, the CEO's precedency in decision-making is unquestioned.
    • At the formal dinner, the ambassador was given precedency over the other guests.