1. Earlier in time; previously
   "I had known her before"; "as I said before"; "he called me the day before but your call had come even earlier";
   - earlier
    
2. At or in the front
   "with the cross of Jesus marching on before";
   - ahead, in front

1. Earlier than in time
   "before 2 o'clock"
    
2. In front of; in sight of
   "before the judge"

1. Earlier in time than
   "see my son before I die";
   - ere [literary]

Encyclopedia: Before, Volume 1