προτερ-έω(irreg. augm.προετέρουν, προετέρησα, PSI 4.422.34
(iii B.C.), D.S. 11.73 , 15.53 , al.),
A. to be before, be in advance, Hdt. 9.57 ;π. τῆς ὁδοῦ to be forwardon the way, ib. 66 .
2. of Time,to be beforehand with, get the start of, precede, opp. ὑστερέω, π. τῇ γενέσει τί τινος
Arist. GA 741b35
, cf. 775a26 ; ἡ ὄψις π. τῆς ἀκοῆς
Id. Mete. 369b9
; π. ἀστραπὴ βροντῆς
Epicur. Ep. 2p.46U.
; of abnormally precocious animals, Arist. HA 544b21 ;π. τοῖς χρόνοις to be earlierin date, D.S. 3.52 , etc.; of plants,to be early, opp.ὑστερέω, Thphr. CP 3.24.2 ;π. εἰς τὴν φθοράνperishfirst, ib. 4.2.1 ; of constellations, π. ἐν ταῖς ἀνατολαῖς τῶν κατ' αὐτὰ δωδεκατημορίων
Hipparch. 2.4.4
.
3. to be beforehand, take the lead, Th. 1.33 ;οὐδὲν προτερήσετε you will gainnoadvantage, Philipp. ap. D. 18.39 ;ὁ πατήρ μου προετέρει παρὰ πάντας τοὺς ἐκεῖ outstrippedthem all (as a farmer),PSIl.c.; of soldiers,to be superior, have the advantage, Plb. 11.14.4 , al.; κατὰ τὴν συμπλοκήν