King James Bible

AFO'RE, adverb or preposition [a and fore.]

1. In front.

2. Between one object and another, so as to intercept a direct view or intercourse; as, to stand between a person and the light of a candle - a popular use of the word.

3. Prior in time; before; anterior; prior time being considered as in front of subsequent time.

The grass which withereth afore it groweth up. Psalms 129:6.

In all these senses it is now inelegant, and superseded by before.

4. In seaman's language, toward the head of the ship; further forward, or nearer the stem; as, afore the windlas. afore the mast, is a phrase which is applied to a common sailor, one who does duty on the main deck, or has no office on board the ship.