'Ere long' definitions:

Definition of 'Ere long'

From: GCIDE
  • 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] [1913 Webster]
  • Myself was stirring ere the break of day. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • Ere sails were spread new oceans to explore. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • Sir, come down ere my child die. --John iv. 49. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Rather than. [1913 Webster]
  • I will be thrown into Etna, . . . ere I will leave her. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • Ere long, before, shortly. --Shak.
  • Ere now, formerly, heretofore. --Shak.
  • Ere that, & Or are. Same as Ere. --Shak. [1913 Webster]