previous : Idioms & Phrases

• noun a motion calling for an immediate vote on the main question under discussion by a deliberative assembly
  

WordNet

• . (Parliamentary Practice) See under Question, and compare Closure.

Webster 1913

• before; often used adverbially for previously. "Previous to publication." M. Arnold. "A policy . . . his friends had advised previous to 1710." J. H. Newman.

Webster 1913