προκατέχω

English (LSJ)

   A hold or gain possession of beforehand, preoccupy, τὴν πόλιν Th.4.105; τὸ ἄκρον X.HG5.4.59; τὸν διάπλουν Plb.1.61.1; τὰς παρόδους Plu.Nic. 26; διὰ τὸ προκατεσχῆσθαι φρουρᾷ [τὴν ἄκραν Plb.8.31.1: simply, occupy, ὃν προκατεῖχε τόπον Ael.Tact.25.7:—Med., hold down before oneself, προκατέσχετο χερσὶ καλύπτρην h.Cer.197: metaph. in Pass., to be prejudiced, π. εὐνοίᾳ Plb.8.31.3,27.4.9, cf. 9.31.2; διαβολαῖς Phalar.Ep.56.    2 Pass., to be predetermined, ὑφ' ἑτέρας αἰτίας Diogenian.Epicur.3.60.    II intr., to be superior, ταῖς ἡλικίαις καὶ ταῖς δόξαις Plb.27.15.7; ἀγέλης to be leaders of the herd, of bulls, Jul. Or.6.200d.