PRIORESS
Pri"or*ess, n. Etym: [OF. prioresse.]
Defn: A lady superior of a priory of nuns, and next in dignity to an abbess.
PRIORITY
Pri*or"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. priorité. See Prior, a.]
1. The quality or state of being prior or antecedent in time, or of preceding something else; as, priority of application.
2. Precedence; superior rank. Shak. Priority of debts, a superior claim to payment, or a claim to payment before others.
Syn.
— Antecedence; precedence; preëminence.
PRIORLY
Pri"or*ly, adv.
Defn: Previously. [R.] Geddes.
PRIORSHIP
Pri"or*ship, n.
Defn: The state or office of prior; priorate.