One of the mysteries of the English language finally explained.
Definition of precourse in English:
precourse
verb
rarewith object To act as a precursor to; to herald (something). Also without object: to act as a precursor.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Tait's Magazine. From classical Latin praecurs-, past participial stem of praecurrere to run in front of, precede, in post-classical Latin also to act as a precursor, with remodelling of the second element after course, discourse, recourse, etc.