3. pl.
Defn: The earlier events of one's life; previous principles, conduct, course, history. J. H. Newman. If the troops . . . prove worthy of their antecedents, the victory is surely ours. Gen. G. McClellan.
4. (Gram.)
Defn: The noun to which a relative refers; as, in the sentence "Solomon was the prince who built the temple," prince is the antecedent of who.
5. (Logic) (a) The first or conditional part of a hypothetical proposition; as, If the earth is fixed, the sun must move. (b) The first of the two propositions which constitute an enthymeme or contracted syllogism; as, Every man is mortal; therefore the king must die.
6. (Math.)
Defn: The first of the two terms of a ratio; the first or third of the four terms of a proportion. In the ratio a:b, a is the antecedent, and b the consequent.
ANTECEDENTLY
An`te*ced"ent*ly, adv.
Defn: Previously; before in time; at a time preceding; as, antecedently to conversion. Barrow.
ANTECESSOR
An`te*ces"sor, n. Etym: [L., fr. antecedere, antecessum. See
Antecede, Ancestor.]