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What is "ere now"

The Collaborative International Dictionary
Ere now

Ere \Ere\ ([=a]r or [^a]r; 277), prep. & adv. [AS. [=ae]r, prep., adv., & conj.; akin to OS., OFries., & OHG. [=e]r, G. eher, D. eer, Icel. [=a]r, Goth. air. [root]204. Cf. Early, Erst, Or, adv.]

  1. Before; sooner than. [Archaic or Poetic]

    Myself was stirring ere the break of day.
    --Shak.

    Ere sails were spread new oceans to explore.
    --Dryden.

    Sir, come down ere my child die.
    --John iv. 49.

  2. Rather than.

    I will be thrown into Etna, . . . ere I will leave her.
    --Shak.

    Ere long, before, shortly.
    --Shak.

    Ere now, formerly, heretofore.
    --Shak.

    Ere that, & Or are. Same as Ere.
    --Shak.

Usage examples of "ere now".

As Halsey passed me, I heard him muttering, 'Blood hath been shed 'ere now, i' the olden time, 'ere human statute purg'd the gentle weal.