† atˈfore, prep. Obs.
Forms: 1 ætforan, 1–3 -en, 2–3 etforan, -en, 3 atforen, etfor, at vore, 3–4 atfore.
[OE. ætforan, f. æt, at prep. + foran in front, properly dative of for: see afore.]
1. In front of, before.
| c 1000 Ags. Gosp. John xix. 13 And sæt æt-foran ðam dóm⁓setle. c 1175 Lamb. Hom. 41 Heȝe treon eisliche beor⁓ninde etforen helle ȝete. 1297 R. Glouc. 358 Hys baner, þat men at vore hym bere. |
2. In the presence of, in the sight of, before.
| c 1175 Cott. Hom. 225 Rich[t] wis et-foran gode. Ibid. 229 Et-for har alra ȝesychðe. 1258 Eng. Procl. Hen. III §8 ætforen ure isworene redesmen. c 1305 St. Lucy 79 in E.E.P. (1862) 103 Sire Iustise atfore þe. |
3. Before in time or order. rare.
| c 1230 Ancr. R. 226 Þeo þet beoð her etforen iseid. |