̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ adverb (or adjective)
Etymology: Middle English before hand, beforen hand, from before, beforen before + hand
1.
a. : in anticipation : so as to be prepared
all equipment must be in the trucks beforehand
taken … pains to inform himself beforehand concerning the subject matter — Vera M. Dean
b. : in advance
demanding his fee beforehand
payment beforehand
2. : before , previously
the city had beforehand borne a different name
specifically : before the appointed time
he arrived at the meeting place beforehand
3.
a. : in a sound financial state : possessing enough or somewhat more than enough
he was ever a little beforehand and never lived precariously
b. of money : in reserve or excess
having nothing beforehand
4. : in a position to or being able to forestall or anticipate something — used with with
a general ever beforehand with his enemy