D defs.my
Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913

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/prēv'-ē-əs/ · Pre·vi·ous · IPA /ˈpɹi.vi.əs/
01 a. Going before in time; being or happening before something else; antecedent; prior; as, previous arrangements; a previous illness.
  1. 1.
    Going before in time; being or happening before something else; antecedent; prior; as, previous arrangements; a previous illness.
    “The dull sound . . . previous to the storm, Rolls o'er the muttering earth.” Thomson.
Phrases & compounds
Previous question — See under Question, and compare Closure.
Previous to — before; -- often used adverbially for previously.