Be-fōre'hānd1, adv.
adv. [before and hand.] 1. In a state of anticipation or preoccupation;—often followed by with. Agricola . . . resolves to be beforehand with the danger. Milton. The last-cited author has been beforehand with me. Addison. 2. By way of preparation, or preliminary; previously; aforetime. “So that they . . . may be taught beforehand the skill of speaking.” Hooker.