priors

7 definitions • 14 examples

existing or happening before something else, or before a particular time:

The course required no prior knowledge of Spanish.

They had to refuse the dinner invitation because of a prior engagement (= something already planned for that time).

before a particular time or event:

the weeks prior to her death

more important:

Mothers with young children have a prior claim on funds.

a man who is in charge of a priory or who is second in charge of an abbey

coming before in time, order, or importance:

She denied prior knowledge of the meeting.

Passengers may board the plane twenty minutes prior to (= before) departure.

existing or happening before something else:

Operating earnings were $71 million, compared with a loss of $111 million in the prior year.

Board members denied any prior knowledge of an executive compensation agreement.

prior agreement/approval/consent

Do not publish these figures without prior authorization from the Board.

Applicants should have prior experience of the pharmaceutical sector.

give/receive prior notice (of sth) According to the law, the finance ministry should have been given prior notice, which it did not get.

before something else:

It is vital that boards, management, and shareholders fully appreciate the risks and rewards prior to any merger.

She was vice president of business operations for three years prior to becoming commissioner.