Supersede \Su`per*sede"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Superseded; p. pr. & vb. n. Superseding.]

[L. supersedere, supersessum, to sit above, be superior to, forbear, omit; super above + sedere to sit: cf. F. supers['e]der. See Sit, and cf. Surcease.]

1. To come, or be placed, in the room of; to replace.

2. To displace, or set aside, and put another in place of; as, to supersede an officer.

3. To make void, inefficacious, or useless, by superior power, or by coming in the place of; to set aside; to render unnecessary; to suspend; to stay.

Nothing is supposed that can supersede the known laws of natural motion. --Bentley.

4. (Old Law) To omit; to forbear.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)