A thing which precedes something else; esp. a time before the moment in question, a past period.

In extended use. The time immediately preceding some event, action, etc. Chiefly in on the eve of.

Former time, the past; an earlier time. Cf. earlier beforetime, n.

A period of time or series of occurrences leading up to some significant event; an action which prepares the way for one on a larger scale.