general, something before or nearer the beginning than another, to which it is compared.

Prior, more particularly denotes the superior of a convent of monks, or the next under the abbot. See Abbot.

Priors are either claustral or conventual. Conventual are the same as abbots. Claustral prior, is he who governs the religious of an abbey or priory in commendam, having his jurisdiction wholly from the abbot.

Grand Prior, is the superior of a large abbey, where several superiors are required.

Prior, Matthew, an eminent English poet, was born at London in 1664. His father dying while he was very young, an uncle, a vintner, having given him some education at Westminster school, took him home in order to breed him up to his trade. However, at his leisure hours he prosecuted his study of the classics and particularly of his favourite Horace. This introduced him to some polite company who frequented his uncle's house; among whom the earl of Dorset took particular notice of him, and procured him to be sent to St John's college in Cambridge, where, in 1686, he took the degree of A.B. and afterwards became fellow of that college. Upon the revolution, Mr Prior was brought to court by the earl of Dorset; and in 1690 he was made secretary to the earl of Berkeley, plenipotentiary at the Hague; as he was afterward to the ambassador and plenipotentiaries at the treaty of Ryswick in 1697; and the year following to the earl of Portland, ambassador to the court of France. He was in 1697 made secretary of state for Ireland; and in 1700 was appointed one of the lords commissioners of trade and plantations. In 1710, he was supposed to have had a share in writing The Examiner. In 1711, he was made one of the commissioners of the customs; and was sent minister plenipotentiary to France, for the negotiating a peace with that kingdom. Soon after the accession of George I. to the throne in 1714, he presented a memorial to the court of France, requiring the demolishing of the canal and new works at Mardyke. The year following he was recalled; and upon his arrival was taken up by a warrant from the house of commons, and strictly examined by a committee of the privy-council. Robert Walpole, Esq. moved the house of commons for an impeachment against him; and Mr Prior was ordered into into close custody. In 1717, he was excepted out of the act of grace; however, at the close of that year, he was set at liberty. The remainder of his days he spent in tranquillity and retirement, and died in 1721. His poems are well known, and justly admired. He is said to have written the following epitaph for himself:

"Nobles and heralds, by your leave, Here lie the bones of Matthew Prior, The son of Adam and of Eve: Let Bourbon or Nassau go higher."