[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

prior \pri"or\, n. oe. priour, of. priour, prior, priur, f.
   prieur, from l. prior former, superior. see prior, a.
   1. eccl. the superior of a priory, and next below an abbot
      in dignity.
      1913 webster

   2. a chief magistrate, as in the republic of florence in the
      middle ages. --rhud
      pjc

   conventical prior, 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.
      1913 webster
see also:
prior conventical prior conventual prior priory claustral prior 

Prior >> P Words
Prior, definition of term: Prior
prior_pag1.html

Claustral >> C Words
Claustral, definition of term: Claustral
claustral_pag1.html