beforehand

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   At an earlier or preceding time.

   Will it be possible to have access to the room beforehand so that we can set up chairs?

2. 2
   adj

   In comfortable circumstances as regards property; forehanded.

   rich and much beforehand

3. 3
   adj

   In a state of anticipation or preoccupation.

   Agricola […] resolves to be beforehand with the danger.

4. 4
   adv

   ahead of time

5. 5
   adj

   being ahead of time or need

Etymology

From Middle English biforhand, biforhond, beforehonde, bifornhand, equivalent to before + hand. [13th century. After Old French avant main].