Main Entry: ¹be·fore

Pronunciation: \bi-ˈfȯr, bē-\

Function: adverb or adjective

Etymology: Middle English, adverb & preposition, from Old English beforan, from be- + foran before, from fore

Date: before 12th century

1 : in advance : ahead <marching on before>
2 : at an earlier time : previously <the night before> <knew her from before>