释义 |
pri·or I. \ˈprī(ə)r, -īə\ noun (-s) Etymology: Middle English prior, priour, from Old English prior & Middle French prior, priour, from Medieval Latin prior, from Late Latin, administrator, predecessor, from Latin, former, previous, superior 1. a. : the superior ranking next to the abbot of a given monastery : claustral prior b. : the superior of a priory — called also conventual prior c. : the superior of a house or group of houses of any of various religious communities 2. a. : the head of a guild b. Britain : the head of a business firm II. adjective Etymology: Latin, former, previous, first, superior, compar. of Old Latin pri before; akin to Latin priscus ancient, pristinus primitive, pristine, prae before — more at for 1. : earlier in time or order : preceding temporally, causally, or psychologically : antecedent, previous < a prior appointment > < prior consideration > 2. a. : taking precedence logically, methodologically, or in importance or value — usually followed by to < a responsibility prior to all others > b. of a security : having priority as to earnings or assets over other issues of the same firm |