adv.
Function: preposition
Date: before 12th century
1 a (1) : forward of : in front of <stood before the fire> (2) : in the presence of <speaking before the conference> b : under the jurisdiction or consideration of <the case before the court> c (1) : at the disposal of <the great sums placed before him> (2) : in store for <got the whole summer before you>
2 : preceding in time : earlier than <just before noon>
3 : in a higher or more important position than <put quantity before quality>