prior
Cross references:
1. preceding
1. pri.or \'pri-(-*)r\ \'pri--*-r*t\ \'pri-(-*)r-.ship\ n [ME, fr. OE & MF,
fr. ML, fr. LL, administrator, fr. L, former, superior, compa]r. of OL pri
before; akin to L priscus ancient, prae before - more at FOR 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 c ommunities -
pri.or.ate n
2. pri.or \'pri-(-*)r\ aj 1: earlier in time or order 2: taking precedence
logically or in importance or value - pri.or.ly av