"results, profits, sum derived from the sale of goods," 1660s (in singular form from 1640s), from proceed (v.) on the notion of "that which proceeds" or occurs from some possession or transaction.
Entries linking to proceeds
proceed v.
late 14c., proceden, "to go, go on, move in a certain direction, go about one's business," also "to emanate from, result from; to issue or come, as from an origin or course," from Old French proceder (13c., Modern French procéder) and directly from Latin procedere (past participle processus) "go before, go forward, advance, make progress; come forward," from pro "forward" (from PIE root *per- (1) "forward") + cedere "to go" (from PIE root *ked- "to go, yield"). Related: Proceeded; proceeding.