A.to be seated before, π. τοσοῦτο πρὸ τῆς ἄλλης Ἑλλάδος lie so far in front of Greece, of the Thessalians, Hdt.7.172.
2. c. gen., to be seated or lie before a place, so as to defend it, “ἐπὶ τῷ στόματι π. τῆς θαλάμης” Arist. HA 550b5: hence, generally, protect, defend, τῶν ἑωυτοῦ, Ἰώνων, Hdt.8.36, 9.106, cf. Th.8.76, X.HG5.2.4; “τῆς Ῥώμης” Plb.2.24.15, al.; “αἱ -καθήμεναι θεαὶ τῆς πόλεως” SIG694.50 (Elaea, ii B. C.): rare in Poets, φυλακὴν . . στρατιᾶς π., of sentinels, E.Rh.6 (anap.).
II. preside over, “τὸ προκαθήμενον τῆς πόλεως” Pl.Lg.758d; “τοῦ πλήθους” Arist. Pol.1322b14: metaph., “γεύσεως ὄσφρησις π.” Ph.1.603.