that precedes; previous: Refer back

that precedes; previous: Refer back to the footnote on the preceding page.
Origin: 1485–95; precede + -ing2

precede
—verb (used with object), pre·ced·ed, pre·ced·ing.

to go before, as in place, order, rank, importance, or time.
to introduce by something preliminary; preface: to precede one's statement with a qualification.
—verb (used without object), pre·ced·ed, pre·ced·ing.

to go or come before.
—noun

Journalism. copy printed at the beginning of a news story presenting late bulletins, editorial notes, or prefatory remarks.