preceding

adj 1: existing or coming before [syn: {preceding(a)}] [ant: {succeeding(a)}]

2: preceding in time or order [syn: {antecedent}] [ant: {subsequent}]

3: of a person who has held and relinquished a position or

office; "a retiring member of the board" [syn: {past(a)},

{preceding(a)}, {retiring(a)}]