early
1. ear.ly \'*r-le-\ av [ME erly, fr. OE -rli-ce, fr. -r e]arly,
soon - more at ERE 1: near the beginning of a period of time or of a
process or series 2a: before the usual time archaic 2b: SOON 2c: sooner
than related forms
2. early aj 1a: of, relating to, or occurring near the beginning of a
period of time o r of a development or series 1b1: distant in past time
1b2: PRIMITIVE 2a: occurring before the usual time 2b: occurring in the
near future 2c: maturing or producing sooner than related forms