An order of precedence is a sequential hierarchy of nominal importance of items. Most often it is used in the context of people by many organizations and governments, for very formal and state occasions, especially where diplomats are present. It can also be used in the context of decorations, medals and awards. Historically, the order of precedence had a more widespread use, especially in court and aristocratic life.
One's position in an order of precedence is not necessarily an indication of functional importance, but rather an indication of ceremonial or historical relevance; for instance, it may dictate where dignitaries are seated at formal dinners. The term is occasionally used to mean the order of succession to determine who replaces the head of state in the event he or she is removed from office or incapacitated.
What follow are general orders of precedence for different countries for state purposes such as diplomatic dinners, and may assume such functions are held in the capital. When they are held in another city or region, local officials such as governors would be much higher up the order. There may also be more specific and local orders of precedence, for particular occasions or within particular institutions. Universities and the professions often have their own rules of precedence applying locally, using (for example) on university or professional rank, each rank then being ordered within itself on the basis of seniority (i.e. date of attaining that rank). Within an institution the officials of that institution are likely to rank much higher in the order than in a general order of precedence - the chancellor or president of a university may well precede anyone except a head of state for example. The same might be true for a mayor in his own city.
Read more about Order Of Precedence: Lists (people), Lists (decorations and Medals)
Famous quotes containing the words order of, order and/or precedence:
“If we are the younger, we may envy the older. If we are the older, we may feel that the younger is always being indulged. In other words, no matter what position we hold in family order of birth, we can prove beyond a doubt that we’re being gypped.”
—Judith Viorst (20th century)
“Where did we ever get the crazy idea that in order to make children do better, first we have to make them feel worse? Think of the last time you felt humiliated or treated unfairly. Did you feel like cooperating or doing better?”
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“It is difficult to separate the tapestry
From the room or loom which takes precedence over it.”
—John Ashbery (b. 1927)