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prior (adj.)

"earlier; preceding, as in order of time," 1714, from Latin prior "former, previous, first;" figuratively "superior, better;" as a noun "forefather; superior rank;" comparative of Old Latin pri "before" (from PIE *prai-, *prei-, from root *per- (1) "forward," hence "in front of, before, first"). Also used adverbially (with to), by 1706.

also from 1714

prior (n.)

"superior officer of a religious house or order," Middle English priour, from late Old English, and directly from Medieval Latin prior "superior officer," noun use of Latin adjective meaning "former, superior" (see prior (adj.)). As short for prior arrest, by 1990, American English.

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Trends of prior

updated on December 13, 2020

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