beforehand

Etymology

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

adv

1. At an earlier or preceding time.
   Will it be possible to have access to the room beforehand so that we can set up chairs?
   I love playing tennis but I always get so nervous beforehand.
   Weeks beforehand, I had bought the tickets for the concert.

adj

1. (obsolete) In comfortable circumstances as regards property; forehanded.
   rich and much beforehand 1626, Francis Bacon, New Atlantis
2. (archaic, often followed by with) In a state of anticipation or preoccupation.
   […] the medical attendant ought to be rather beforehand with the symptoms of excitement, and to diminish the large quantity of wine before they appear. 1839, London Medical Gazette: Or, Journal of Practical Medicine