Emily Dickinson Lexicon

A-FORE'HAND, adv. [afore and hand.]

1. In time previous; by previous provision; as, he is ready aforehand. She is come aforehand to anoint my body. – Mark xiv.
2. adj. Prepared; previously provided; as, to be aforehand in business. Hence in popular language, amply provided; well supplied with the means of living; having means beyond the requirements of necessity; moderately wealthy. This word is popularly changed into aforehanded, beforehanded, or rather forehanded; as, a forehanded manner.