Precedence or Precedency
Black's Law Dictionary · Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
Black's Law Dictionary
The act or state of going before; adjustment of place.
— Precedence, patent of. In English law. A grant from the crown to such barristers as it thinks proper to honor with that mark of distinction, whereby they are entitled to such rank and preaudience as are assigned in their respective patents. 3 Steph. Comm. 274.