Hereinbefore

/ˌhɪrɪnbɪˈfoʊr/ adverb

Definition

A formal term meaning 'earlier in this document' or 'as mentioned above,' used in legal and formal writing to refer to previous sections.

Etymology

From 'herein' (in this) and 'before' (previously). The opposite of 'hereinafter,' used in formal documents to reference earlier content.

Kelly Says

'Hereinbefore' shows how legal English developed a whole directional system—documents literally had special words pointing you up or down the page like invisible arrows!

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