Both Uses of
preside
in
The Age of Innocence
- She said "reading the newspaper" in the tone in which a Minister's wife might have said: "Presiding at a Cabinet meeting"—not from any arrogance of mind, but because the habit of a life-time, and the attitude of her friends and relations, had led her to consider Mr. van der Luyden's least gesture as having an almost sacerdotal importance.†
Chpt 7presiding = in charge (with highest authority); or heads; or chairs
- Beside him sat his wife, all silvery chinchilla and violets; and on the far side of the ribbon, Lawrence Lefferts's sleekly brushed head seemed to mount guard over the invisible deity of "Good Form" who presided at the ceremony.†
Chpt 19 *presided = chaired; or headed; or was in charge
Definition:
to lead or be in charge of a meeting, event, or group -- especially in an official or formal role