prior
adj[attrib 作定語]
coming before in time, order or importance 較早的; 居先的; 較重要的
They have a prior claim to the property, ie one which invalidates any other claim(s), eg because based on an earlier legal agreement. 他們有優(yōu)先獲得該房地產(chǎn)的權(quán)利(如根據(jù)先前的合法契約).
My children have a prior claim on my time. 我的時間首先得用來照顧我的孩子.
I shall have to refuse your invitation because of a prior engagement. 我因有約在先, 所以只好謝絕你的邀請.
You need no prior knowledge to be able to do thistest. 不必預(yù)先學(xué)習(xí), 就能做這項測試. Cf 參看 posterior 1.
prior n (fem 陰性作 prioress )
(a) person who is head of a religious order, or of a monastery or convent (教派的)首領(lǐng); (小的修道院的)院長.
(b) (in an abbey) person next in rank below an abbot or abbess (大的修道院的)副院長.