Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - prior

~1 adj 1 prior to formal before  (All the arrangements should be completed prior to your departure. | Guests can relax in the lounge prior to entering the theatre.) 2 prior warning/notice/discussion etc a warning etc happening before something else happens  (The bomb exploded without any prior warning.) 3 prior agreement/arrangement etc an arrangement made before the present situation  (Under a prior agreement the company will sell the land in ten years time. | a prior engagement formal (=something you have planned to do))  (I won't be at the meeting as I have a prior engagement.) ~2 n 1 the man in charge of a priory 2 the priest next in rank to the person in charge of an abbey