The crossword solutions for the term BEFORE, TO THE BARD are ERST (4 letters) and ERE (3 letters). The word ERST is an archaic adverb meaning 'BEFORE' or 'FORMERLY'. It is derived from Old English and is related to the German word 'erst'. The word ERE is an archaic preposition meaning 'BEFORE'. It is derived from Middle English and is related to the Old English word 'aere'. Both words are used in literature, particularly in works by William Shakespeare.