precurse1
/priˈkəːs/ /ˌpriːˈkəːs/rare
noun
A heralding or foreshadowing of future events.
- In modern use frequently with allusion to curse..
Origin
Late 16th century. From classical Latin praecursus anticipation, forestalling from praecurs-, past participial stem of praecurrere to run in front of, precede + -tus, suffix forming verbal nouns. In modern use frequently punningly after curse.
precurse2
/prɪˈkəːs/ /priːˈkəːs/verb
[with object] To be a precursor to; to run or occur before; to herald, portend.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Alfred Tennyson (1809–1892), poet. From classical Latin praecurs-, past participial stem of praecurrere to run in front of, to precede.