afore

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

(Sax. æforan.)


Before; sooner in time; in front; rather than.--Todd's Johnson.

This old word is gone entirely out of use in elegant language. It is now provincial in England, and in the United States is used only by the illiterate.

If your diligence be not speedy, I shall be there afore you.

-- Shakspeare, K. Lear.

Approaching nigh, he roared high afore

His body monstrous, horrible, and vast.

-- Spenser, F. Queen.

KEEP. Afore I'll

Endure the tyranny of such a tongue

And such a pride--

Pol. What will you do?

Keep. Tell truth.

-- Ben Jonson.

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