Английский разговорный словарь (основной) - prior

̈ɪˈpraɪə adj., adv., & n. --adj. 1 earlier. 2 (often foll. by to) coming before in time, order, or importance. --adv. (foll. by to) before (decided prior to their arrival). --n. 1 the superior officer of a religious house or order. 2 (in an abbey) the officer next under the abbot. øøpriorate n. prioress n. priorship n. [L, = former, elder, compar. of OL pri = L prae before]