ær

Senses

1. early, previous, former

Declension

Senses

1. previously

   Uton fon nu on þæt godspel ðær we hit ǣr forlēton.

   Let us now resume the gospel where we previously left it.

   c. 992, Ælfric, "On the Purification of St. Mary"

2. already

   Þam folce wearð cūð þæt se Hælend arærde lytle ær Lazarum of deaðe, seðe læg stincende feower niht on byrgene: þa comon þa togeanes Criste þe geleaffulle wæron, mid þam wurðmynte, swa we ǣr cwædon.

   It was known to the people that Christ a little before had raised Lazarus from death, who had lain stinking four nights in the grave: then those, who were believing, came to meet Christ with the honours which we have already mentioned.

   c. 992, Ælfric, "For Palm Sunday"

Senses

1. before, (in negative sentences) until

   wintra dǣl in woruldrīċe. · Wita sċeal ġeþyldiġ.

   thus a man cannot become wise, before he would own a part of years in world-kingdom. A wise man must be patient.

   forþon ne mæġ wearþan wīs · wer, ǣr hē āge

2. rather than (in preference to)

   "Paulus cwæð to Petre, "Broðer, þu wære Gode gecoren ær ic,

   Paul said to Peter, "Brother, thou wast chosen of God before me

   c. 992, Ælfric, "THE PASSION OF THE APOSTLES PETER AND PAUL"

Senses

1. before, (in negative sentences) until

   Hēo becōm ānre niht ǣr mē.

   She arrived one day before me.