adj., adv., & n.
adj. 1 earlier. 2 (often foll. by to) coming before in time, order, or importance.
adv. (foll. by to) before (decided prior to their arrival).
n. 1 the superior officer of a religious house or order. 2 (in an abbey) the officer next under the abbot. priorate n. prioress n. priorship n.
[ L, = former, elder, compar. of OL pri = L prae before ]