(law) One who commands or counsels an actionable offense, not being present at its commission.

Alternative spelling of accessory before the fact

plural of leg before wicket

(cricket) An instance of a batsman being out due to the leg before wicket law.

(cricket) Describing the way of getting out in which the ball would have hit the batsman's wicket, but hits the batsman's legs or more rarely another part of the batsman's body without first hitting the bat or a hand holding the bat.

(idiomatic) A period of peace before a disturbance or crisis; an unnatural or false calm before a storm.

(idiomatic) A phrase said to allow older people to go before younger ones.

(vulgar, slang) A woman should prioritize her female friends over her boyfriend or husband.

(slang) A woman should prioritize her female friends over her boyfriend or husband.

(idiomatic) From before one was born or old enough to be aware of the world. / (idiomatic) At a stage in one's life, development, etc. that seems premature.