prior
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1pri·or
noun \ˈprī(-ə)r\Definition of PRIOR
1
: the superior ranking next to the abbot of a monastery
2
: the superior of a house or group of houses of any of various religious communities
— pri·or·ate \ˈprī-ə-rət\ noun
— pri·or·ship \ˈprī(-ə)r-ˌship\ noun
See Origin of PRIOR
Middle English, from Old English & Anglo-French; both from Medieval Latin, from Late Latin, administrator, from Latin, former, superior
First Known Use: before 12th century
Other Christian Religious Terms
2prior
adjectiveDefinition of PRIOR
1
: earlier in time or order
2
: taking precedence (as in importance)
— pri·or·ly adverb
Examples of PRIOR
- Do you have a prior history of back problems?
- The job requires prior experience in advertising.
- The defendant had a prior record of convictions.
- I'm sorry, but we have a prior commitment and can't come tonight.
- We have a prior claim to the estate.
Origin of PRIOR
Latin, former, superior; akin to Latin priscus ancient, prae before — more at for
First Known Use: 1709
Related to PRIOR
- Synonyms
- arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, dominant, first, grand, great, greatest, highest, key, leading, main, master, number one (also No. 1), numero uno, overbearing, overmastering, overriding, paramount, predominant, preeminent, premier, primal, primary, principal, foremost, sovereign (also sovran), supreme
See Synonym Discussion at preceding
Prior
biographical name \ˈprī(-ə)r\Definition of PRIOR
Matthew 1664–1721 Eng. poet
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