before

I. 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

> II. preposition Date: before 12th century 1. a. (1) forward of ; in front of <

stood before the fire

> (2) in the presence of <

speaking before the conference

> b. under the jurisdiction or consideration of <

the case before the court

> c. (1) at the disposal of <

the great sums placed before him

> (2) in store for <

got the whole summer before you

> 2. preceding in time ; earlier than <

just before noon

> 3. in a higher or more important position than <

put quantity before quality

> III. conjunction Date: 13th century 1. a. (1) earlier than the time that <

call me before you go

> (2) sooner or quicker than <

I'll be done before you know it

> (3) so that…do not <

get out of there before you get dirty

> b. until the time that <

miles to go before I sleep — Robert Frost

> c. (1) or else…not <

must be convicted before he can be removed from office

> (2) or else <

get out of here before I call a cop

> 2. rather or sooner than <

would starve before he'd steal

>