Ere

(ār), adv. [A-S. ær, O. Sax., O. Fries., & O. H. Ger. ēr, N. H. Ger. eher, D. eer, Icel. ár, Goth. air.] Before; sooner than.

Ere sails were spread new oceans to explore. Dryden.

The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. John iv. 49.