An archaic or poetic word meaning 'before now' or 'previously'; before this present time.
From Middle English 'ere' (before, from Old English 'ær') combined with 'now.' This compound formed a common medieval expression, though it's largely obsolete in modern English.
Words like 'erenow' show how English continuously recycles old materials—we still use 'ere' in poetry and archaic contexts, but 'erenow' fell out of favor because 'previously' and 'before' served the meaning more efficiently.
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