(prī′ər) adjective
Preceding in time, order, or importance. See synonyms under ANTECEDENT, ANTERIOR.
—prior to Before: The theater closed prior to our arrival.
—noun
1. A monastic officer next in rank below an abbot.
2. Formerly, an Italian magistrate. [<L, earlier, superior]
—pri′or·ate (-it), pri′or·ship noun

(prī′ər), Matthew,
1664–1721, English poet and diplomat.