I. ˈprī(-ə)r noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English & Anglo-French; both from Medieval Latin, from Late Latin, administrator, from Latin, former, superior
Date: before 12th century
1. : the superior ranking next to the abbot of a monastery
2. : the superior of a house or group of houses of any of various religious communities
• pri·or·ate ˈprī-ə-rət noun
• pri·or·ship ˈprī(-ə)r-ˌship noun
II. adjective
Etymology: Latin, former, superior; akin to Latin priscus ancient, prae before — more at for
Date: 1709
1. : earlier in time or order : previous
by prior agreement
2. : taking precedence (as in importance)
Synonyms: see preceding
• pri·or·ly adverb