prior
prior definition
prior (prī′ər)
adjective
- preceding in time; earlier; previous; former
- preceding in order or importance; preferred a prior choice
Etymology: L, former, superior, compar. of OL pri, before: see prime
noun
- the head of a priory or other religious house
- in an abbey, the person in charge next below the abbot
Etymology: ME < OE & OFr, both < ML(Ec), a prior < L: see priorthe
prior Idioms
prior to
before in time
Prior definition
Prior (prī′ər)
Prior,
Matthew 1664-1721; Eng. poet
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