pres·i·dence \ˈprez(ə)dən(t)s\noun (-s) Etymology: Middle French, office of president, from Medieval Latin praesidentia 1.: the action or fact of presiding : direction, superintendence < by the presidence and guidance of an unseen governing power — William Wollaston > 2.: presidency 1a < preserve both the senate and the presidence — P.G.Hamerton >