aforehand, adv. arch.
(əˈfɔəhænd)
[f. afore prep. + hand; cf. the much earlier beforehand. In early times generally written as two (or three) words, and even analytically afore the hand.]
= beforehand, which is now the ordinary form.
1. With previous preparation, in anticipation, in advance. arch. and dial.
| 1430 Lydg. Chron. Troy i. v, As we were wonte aforehande for to see. c 1430 Syr Generides 378 He couth by the sterres Tel of peace and of werres. Of that he seid afor the hond My fadre alwey soth fond. 1526 Tindale Mark xiv. 8 She cam a fore honde to anoynt my boddy to his buryinge warde. 1639 Fuller Holy War v. xxii. (1840) 280 In the nature of wages ex pacto contracted for aforehand. 1850 Dickens Lett. (1880) I. 231 It is not possible for him to say aforehand..what it will cost. |
† 2. adjectively. Prepared or provided for the future. Obs.
| 1626 Bacon New Atl. Wks. 1860, 275 The Strangers'-House is at this time rich and much aforehand, for it hath laid up revenue. 1741 Richardson Pamela (1824) I. 216 A couple of guineas will be of use to Mrs. Mumford, who, I doubt, has not much aforehand. 1748 ― Clarissa (1811) III. 201 She lives reputably and is..aforehand in the world. |
† to be aforehand with: To anticipate, to forestall, to have the first word, or make the first move. Obs.
| 1670 G. H., tr. Hist. Cardinals ii. ii. 173 All that are in Rome do strive to be aforehand with the world. 1748 Richardson Clarissa (1811) II. 323 A sagacity that is afore⁓hand with events. 1753 ― Grandison viii. (1781) I. 37 Let me for once be aforehand with my uncle. |