King James Bible Dictionary

AFO'RE, adverb or preposition [a and fore.]

1. In front.

2. Between one object and another, so as to intercept a direct view or intercourse; as, to stand between a person and the light of a candle - a popular use of the word.

3. Prior in time; before; anterior; prior time being considered as in front of subsequent time.

The grass which withereth afore it groweth up. Psalms 129:6.

In all these senses it is now inelegant, and superseded by before.

4. In seaman's language, toward the head of the ship; further forward, or nearer the stem; as, afore the windlas. afore the mast, is a phrase which is applied to a common sailor, one who does duty on the main deck, or has no office on board the ship.

AFO'REGOING, adjective Going before. [See Foregoing, which is chiefly used.]

AFO'REHAND, adverb [afore and hand.]

1. In time previous; by previous provision; as, he is ready aforehand

She is come aforehand to anoint my body. Mark 14:8.

2. adjective Prepared; previously provided; as, to be aforehand in business. Hence in popular language, amply provided; well supplied with the means of living; having means beyond the requirements of necessity; moderately wealthy. The word is popularly changed into aforehanded, beforehanded, or rather forehanded; as, a forehanded farmer.

AFO'REMENTIONED, adjective [afore and mention.]

Mentioned before in the same writing or discourse.

AFO'RENAMED, adjective [afore and name.] Named before.

AFO'RESAID, adjective [afore and say.] Said or recited before, or in a proceeding part.

AFO'RETIME, adverb [afore and time.] In time past; in a former time.