To act as a flagship for.
The most important one out of a related group.
The ship occupied by the fleet's commander (usually an admiral); it denotes this by flying his flag.
The ship regarded as most important out of a group, e.g. a nation's navy or company's fleet.
To have higher rank than (someone or something else).
To go before, go in front of.
To cause to be preceded; to preface; to introduce.
Brief editorial preface (usually to an article or essay)