Before

[be and fore. O. Eng. beforn, A-S. beforan, O. S. beforan, D. bevōren, O. H. Ger. pifōra, pifōri, N. H. Ger. bevor.]

1Sense 1. In front of; preceding in space; as, to stand before the fire, before the house. “Who shall go before them?” Milton.

2Sense 2. Preceding in time; earlier than; previous to; in order.

Before Abraham was, I am. John viii. 58.

Before this treatise can become of use. Swift.

3Sense 3. Prior or preceding in dignity, order, rank, right, or worth; rather than.

He that cometh after me is preferred before me. John i. 5.

The eldest son is before the younger in succession. Johnson.

4Sense 4. In presence or sight of; face to face with; facing.

Abraham bowed . . . before the people of the land. Gen. xxiii. 12.

Wherewith shall I come before the Lord? Micah vi. 6.

5Sense 5. In the power of; free to.

The world was all before them where to choose. Milton.

Before the wind (Naut.), in the direction of the wind and by its impulse.

1Sense 1. On the fore part; in front, or in the direction of the front.

The battle was before and behind. 2 Chron. xiii. 14.

2Sense 2. In time preceding; earlier; hitherto; already.

You tell me, mother, what I knew before. Dryden.