A*fore" (#), adv. [OE. afore, aforn, AS. onforan or aetforan; pref. a- + fore.]
1.
Before.
[Obs.]
If he have never drunk wine afore.
Shak.
2. Naut.
In the fore part of a vessel.
© Webster 1913.
A*fore", prep.
1.
Before (in all its senses).
[Archaic]
2. Naut.
Before; in front of; farther forward than; as, afore the windlass.
Afore the mast, among the common sailors; -- a phrase used to distinguish the ship's crew from the officers.
© Webster 1913.