Sentence:  The orderlies, only too well aware of the niceties of the colour-conscious system that prevailed, debated, then sent one of their number to ask the matron what should be done. The matron said that Cho must give <WSD>precedence</WSD>. He was laid on the concrete floor. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  The state of preceding in importance or priority.