Early 16th century; earliest use found in John Irland (c1440–1495), theologian. From Middle French prejacent (French †préjacent) previously existing, placed in front and its etymon post-classical Latin praeiacent-, praeiacens pre-existent (frequently from 1120 in British sources), lying or situated in front, (in Logic) constituting the original proposition from which another is inferred, use as adjective of classical Latin praeiacent-, praeiacēns, present participle of praeiacēre to lie in front from prae- + iacēre to lie.