the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
preposition. Before; sooner than.
preposition. Rather than.
v. To plow. [Obs.] See ear, v. t.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
Early; soon.
Before; formerly.
Before, in respect of time.
Before; sooner than.
n. An obsolete form of ear.
An obsolete form of ear.
Word Usage
"Doubtless he will be stripped of this title ere long, like Captain Dreyfus having his sword ceremonially broken and the epaulettes torn from his shoulders."