Definition of come before

The origin of the phrase "come before" can be traced back to the Old English language, where it was expressed as "cuman foran." The Old English word "cuman" translates to "come" or "be coming," while "foran" means "before" or "in front of." This expression has evolved through the centuries, following the translation and assimilation of Old English into Middle English, and subsequently into Modern English. Along the way, the spelling and pronunciation of the words have transformed, becoming "kyne" and "for" in Middle English, and ultimately arriving at the modern "come" and "before" in Modern English. The phrase is commonly used in legal and administrative contexts in English-speaking countries, referring to the order in which one matter is presented or considered in a legal or administrative proceeding, i.e., priority or precedence. Beyond this narrow technical sense, "come before" is generally used more broadly, denoting an order in time or sequence, as in the phrase "pleasant memories come before, and chase away, the present sorrow." In short, the phrase "come before" is a linguistic legacy of Old English, a testament to the enduring evolution and adaptability of the English language over time.