2. of Time, to be beforehand with, get the start of, precede, opp. “ὑστερέω, π. τῇ γενέσει τί τινος” Arist.GA741b35, cf. 775a26; “ἡ ὄψις π. τῆς ἀκοῆς” Id.Mete.369b9; “π. ἀστραπὴ βροντῆς” Epicur. Ep.2p.46U.; of abnormally precocious animals, Arist.HA544b21; π. τοῖς χρόνοις to be earlier in date, D.S.3.52, etc.; of plants, to be early, opp. ὑστερέω, Thphr.CP3.24.2; π. εἰς τὴν φθοράν perish first, 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 gain no advantage, Philipp. ap. D.18.39; ὁ πατήρ μου προετέρει παρὰ πάντας τοὺς ἐκεῖ outstripped them all (as a farmer), PSIl.c.; of soldiers, to be superior, have the advantage, Plb. 11.14.4, al.; “κατὰ τὴν συμπλοκήν” Id.3.110.6; “ταῖς εὐκινησίαις ἐν τοῖς διωγμοῖς” D.S.3.49; π. τῆς γνώμης carry one's motion, Id.15.53: c. gen., have the advantage over, τὰ κακὰ τῶν ἀνὰ μέσον π. Chrysipp.Stoic.3.188; “πλοῦτον -οῦντα πενίας” Phld.Rh.1.236 S.; “οὐδὲ τὸ παρὰ φύσιν π. τῆς φύσεως” Sallust.17 (cj. for πρότερον ἔχει):—Pass., to be defeated, “ἐπροτερήθης διὰ τοῦ δικαστηρίου” IG5(2).443.35 (Megalopolis).
II. c. acc., go beyond, surpass, “στοργᾷ φύσιν ἐπροτέρησεν” IPE2.299.9 (Panticapaeum).
