The term CHIC PRECEDER is a combination of two words, 'CHIC' and 'preceder'. CHIC is an adjective used to describe something that is fashionable or stylish, while preceder is a noun meaning one who goes before. Together, the term CHIC PRECEDER can be used to refer to someone who is fashionable and sets trends for others to follow. The crossword solution for this term is TRES, which is the French word for three. This could be interpreted to mean that the CHIC preceder is one of the first three people to set a trend.