definition of
predate

[1] #1 predate v. [precede, forego, forgo, antecede, antedate] be earlier in time; go back further; "Stone tools precede bronze tools". wn

[2] #2 predate v. [precede] come before; "Most English adjectives precede the noun they modify". wn

[3] #3 predate v. [raven, prey] prey on or hunt for; "These mammals predate certain eggs". wn

[4] #4 predate v. [antedate, foredate] establish something as being earlier relative to something else. wn