PRECEDENTS/PRECEDENCE

PRECEDENTS/PRECEDENCE
(A proofreader's note regarding “precedents” and “precedence”)

The plural noun “precedents” comes from “precede”
To “precedence” mimic though clearly distinct.
While “presidents” and “presidency” nimbly abide,
Our words of the day here are sometimes unlinked.

For “precedents” are things that “preceded” in time;
As “similar actions,” they “happened before”;
Creating “examples,” progressing to “rules,”
Becoming “the usual”—such ends, maybe more.

But “earlier occurrence” is seen as apart,
That quality selfsame deserving of name.
To take up the mantle is “precedence” near,
Not limited to time as the terms of its game.

With “precedence,” often “priority” is theme
In terms of arrangement, importance, or rank;
It still honors time, a considerable thing,
And caters to ceremony—all of that swank.

“He cited six 'precedents' bolstering his case.”
“To now break with 'precedent,' the voters would hate.”
“Your safety takes 'precedence' as always on base.”
“Her 'precedence' as Duchess was faultless to date.”

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