A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1986 (DOST Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Prior, adj. [L. prior former, earlier, etc.; mod. Eng. (1714).] a. Having precedence, precedent. b. Former, anterior, antecedent. —1641 Acts (1817) V 337/1.
I & my predicessouris be indouttitlie prior to thame in richt & place of dignitie 1672 Glasgow Burgesses 194.
[He] is therfor in respect of his awne prior honest cariage admitted burgess 1681 Stair Inst. iv xxxv §6 (1832) 662.
But if both pursuits were in the same court, the prior decreet is preferable
