Existing previously or before something:
— Variations on pre-existent musical themes.

synonyms: pre-existing, preexistent, preexisting.

Roget 116: prior, previous; preceding, precedent; anterior, antecedent; pre-existing, pre-existent; former, foregoing; aforementioned, before-mentioned, abovementioned; aforesaid, said; introductory etc. (precursory) 64.    ... show more