The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Ere \Ere\ ([=a]r or [^a]r; 277), prep. & adv. [AS. [=ae]r,
   prep., adv., & conj.; akin to OS., OFries., & OHG. [=e]r, G.
   eher, D. eer, Icel. [=a]r, Goth. air. [root]204. Cf. Early,
   Erst, Or, adv.]
   1. Before; sooner than. [Archaic or Poetic]
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            Myself was stirring ere the break of day. --Shak.
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            Ere sails were spread new oceans to explore.
                                                  --Dryden.
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            Sir, come down ere my child die.      --John iv. 49.
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   2. Rather than.
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            I will be thrown into Etna, . . . ere I will leave
            her.                                  --Shak.
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   Ere long, before, shortly. --Shak.

   Ere now, formerly, heretofore. --Shak.

   Ere that, & Or are. Same as Ere. --Shak.
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