beˈforetime, adv.
[f. before- + time, i.e. ‘the time that was before’: cf. aforetime.]
In former time, formerly, previously.
| a 1300 Cursor M. 2110 Affrick..þat bifor time was cald libye. c 1440 Promp. Parv. 28 Beforetyme, ante, antea. 1611 Bible 1 Sam. ix. 9 He that is now called a Prophet, was beforetime called a Seer. 1865 Swinburne Ball. Burdens 36 And no more as the thing beforetime seen. |
¶ Sometimes two words = Time preceding.
| c 1450 Knt. de la Tour cxiii. 153 The bifore tyme they had be maried. 1614 Chapman Odyss. vi. 392 Having touch'd no meat A long before time. |