prior
/ˈpraɪə(r); `praɪɚ/ adj[attrib 作定语]
coming before in time, order or importance 较早的; 居先的; 较重要的
They have a prior claim to the property, ie one which invalidates any other claim(s), eg because based on an earlier legal agreement. 他们有优先获得该房地产的权利（如根据先前的合法契约）.
My children have a prior claim on my time. 我的时间首先得用来照顾我的孩子.
I shall have to refuse your invitation because of a prior engagement. 我因有约在先, 所以只好谢绝你的邀请.
You need no prior knowledge to be able to do thistest. 不必预先学习, 就能做这项测试. Cf 参看 posterior 1.
prior / ˈpraɪə(r); `praɪɚ/ n (fem 阴性作 prioress / ˈpraɪərɪs, also ˌpraɪəˈres; `praɪərɪs/)
(a) person who is head of a religious order, or of a monastery or convent （教派的）首领; （小的修道院的）院长.
(b) (in an abbey) person next in rank below an abbot or abbess （大的修道院的）副院长.