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Definition of prior : First, precedent, or superior in the order of cognition, reason or generality, origin, development, rank, etc.

Synonyms:

anterior, preceding, earlier, forward, preliminary, foregoing, antecedent, precedent, front, advance, introductory, precede, time, study at previous

monk, pastor, abbess, pilgrim, minister, reverend, cleric, chaplain, archdeacon, ecclesiastic, novice, curate, father, friar, prioress, prelate, evangelist, canon, vicar, sister, clergyman, abbot, rector, archbishop, bishop, archpriest, priest, missionary, preacher, cardinal, canoness, nun, brother, pope

former, next, bygone, then, late, following, erstwhile, previous, future, past

Usage examples:

• Filippo's hungry eyes were immediately fixed on a piece of bread which lay upon the table, and the kindly prior smiled as he nodded his head towards it. - "Knights of Art Stories of the Italian Painters", Amy Steedman.
• Moreover, the various attempts to reform or to suppress the monasteries prior to Henry's time show he was simply carrying out what, in a small way, had been attempted before. - "A Short History of Monks and Monasteries", Alfred Wesley Wishart.
• There is no good ground for the statement made in reference to that class of vows, that " they are merely arbitrary, prior to the making of them." - "The Ordinance of Covenanting", John Cunningham.