prior
/ˈpɹaɪ.(ə)ɹ/ noun C2- A prior probability distribution, that is, one determined without knowledge of the occurrence of other events that bear on it, before additional data is collected.
- In the rationalsphere: a belief supported by previous evidence or experience that one can use to make inferences about the future.
- A previous arrest or criminal conviction on someone's criminal record.
Plural priors
From the library
Elizabeth, feeling it incumbent on her to relieve him from so unpleasant a situation, now put herself forward to confirm his account, by mentioning her prior knowledge of it from Charlotte herself; and endeavoured to put a stop to the exclamations of her mother and sisters, by the earnestness of her congratulations to Sir William, in which she was readily joined by Jane, and by making a variety of remarks on the happiness that might be expected from the match, the excellent character of Mr.
Wickham, undoubtedly by design; for there proved to have been a prior acquaintance between him and Mrs.
Prior to Bazalgette's brilliant intervention, recurrent outbreaks of cholera had repeatedly devastated the city, thriving in the deplorable sanitary conditions of early industrialization.
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