Predecessor
Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia · John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914
Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia
One who has preceded another. This term is applied in particular to corcessor; the word ancestor Is more usually applicable to common persons. The predecessor in a corporation stands in the same relation to the successor that the ancestor does to the heir. One who has filled an office or station before the present incumbent.