ETYM Old Eng. beforen, biforen, before, AS. beforan; pref. be- + foran, fore, before. Related to Be-, and Fore.
1. In front of; preceding in space; ahead of.
2. Preceding in time; earlier than; previously to; anterior to the time when; -- sometimes with the additional idea of purpose; in order that.
3. In advance of; farther onward, in place or time.
4. Prior or preceding in dignity, order, rank, right, or worth; rather than.
5. In presence or sight of; face to face with; facing.
6. Under the cognizance or jurisdiction of.
7. Open for; free of access to; in the power of.

1. On the fore part; in front, or in the direction of the front; -- opposed to in the rear.
2. In advance.
3. In time past; previously; already.
4. Earlier; sooner than; until then.

1. Earlier than the time that
2. Sooner or quicker than
3. So that; until the time that; or else.n
4. Rather or sooner than