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.
Derivatives:
priorate n. prioress n. priorship n.
Etymology: L, former, elder, compar. of OL pri L prae before