prior
1. [ adjective ] earlier in time
Synonyms: anterior
Related terms: antecedent
2. [ noun ] Last name, frequency rank in the U.S. is 5297
3. [ noun ] (religion) the head of a religious order; in an abbey the prior is next below the abbot
Related terms: superior
Similar spelling:   priory
  Pryor
  prairie
  prewar
  prayer