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.
