predecessor Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun one who precedes you in time (as in holding a position or office)
  2. noun something that precedes and indicates the approach of something or someone
    herald; forerunner; harbinger; precursor.

WordNet

Pred`e*ces"sor noun
Etymology
L. praedecessor; prae before + decessor one who withdraws from the province he has governed, a retiring officer (with reference to his successor), a predecessor, fr. decedere: cf. F. prédécesseur. See Decease.
Definitions
  1. One who precedes; one who has preceded another in any state, position, office, etc.; one whom another follows or comes after, in any office or position.
    A prince who was as watchful as his predecessor had been over the interests of the state. Prescott.

Webster 1913