adjective
    
    always used before a noun
    
    existing earlier in time :previous
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    formal :more important than something else because it came first
    
    
    
    prior to
    
    somewhat formal :before (a time, event, etc.)
    
    
    
    
    
    noun
    
    plural -ors
    
    [count] a monk who is the head of a religious house or order
    
    a priest whose rank is just below that of an abbot
    
    US informal :a previous time of being arrested for or found guilty of a crime