I. ˈprī(ə)r, -īə noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English prior, priour, from Old English prior & Middle French prior, priour, from Medieval Latin prior, from Late Latin, administrator, predecessor, from Latin, former, previous, superior
1.
a. : the superior ranking next to the abbot of a given monastery : claustral prior
b. : the superior of a priory — called also conventual prior
c. : the superior of a house or group of houses of any of various religious communities
2.
a. : the head of a guild
b. Britain : the head of a business firm
II. adjective
Etymology: Latin, former, previous, first, superior, compar. of Old Latin pri before; akin to Latin priscus ancient, pristinus primitive, pristine, prae before — more at for
1. : earlier in time or order : preceding temporally, causally, or psychologically : antecedent , previous
a prior appointment
prior consideration
2.
a. : taking precedence logically, methodologically, or in importance or value — usually followed by to
a responsibility prior to all others
b. of a security : having priority as to earnings or assets over other issues of the same firm