Al*read"y (?), adv. [All (OE. al) + ready.] Prior to some specified time, either past, present, or future; by this time; previously. "Joseph was in Egypt already." Exod. i. 5.

I say unto you, that Elias is come already. Matt. xvii. 12.

☞ It has reference to past time, but may be used for a future past; as, when you shall arrive, the business will be already completed, or will have been already completed.

-- Webster's unabridged 1913