# File lib/chronic/handlers.rb, line 108
    def apply_endian_precedences(precedences)
      date_defs = @definitions[:date]

      # map the precedence array to indices on @definitions[:date]
      indices = precedences.map { |e|
        handler = instance_variable_get(endian_variable_name_for(e))
        date_defs.index(handler)
      }

      # swap the handlers if we discover they are at odds with the desired preferences
      swap(date_defs, indices.first, indices.last) if indices.first > indices.last
    end