Definition of "beforehand"

beforehand

/bɪˈfɔːhænd/

adverb
not comparable
1. At an earlier or preceding time.
adjective
comparative more beforehand, superlative most beforehand
1. (obsolete) In comfortable circumstances as regards property; forehanded.
  Quotations
  rich and much beforehand
  1626, Francis Bacon, New Atlantis
2. (archaic, often followed by with) In a state of anticipation or preoccupation.
  Quotations
  Agricola […] resolves to be beforehand with the danger.
  1670, John Milton, “(please specify the page)”, in The History of Britain, that Part Especially now Call’d England. […], London: […] J[ohn] M[acock] for James Allestry, […]
  The last cited author has been beforehand with me.
  1716 April 17 (Gregorian calendar), Joseph Addison, “The Free-holder: No. 31. Friday, April 6. ”, in The Works of the Right Honourable Joseph Addison, Esq; […], volume IV, London: […] Jacob Tonson, […], published 1721
  […] 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