Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Prior \Pri"or\, n. [OE. priour, OF. priour, prior, priur, F.
   prieur, from L. prior former, superior. See {Prior}, a.]
   (Eccl.)
   The superior of a priory, and next below an abbot in dignity.

   {Conventical}, or {Conventual}, {prior}, a prior who is at
      the head of his own house. See the Note under {Priory}.

   {Claustral prior}, an official next in rank to the abbot in a
      monastery; prior of the cloisters.