pre-Elizabethan

American  

[pree-i-liz-uh-bee-thuhn, -beth-uhn] / ˌpri ɪˌlɪz əˈbi θən, -ˈbɛθ ən /

adjective

1. (of English culture, history, traditions, etc.) before the reign of Queen Elizabeth I; before the second half of the 16th century.

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Example Sentences

Whether Stevenson's play of 1559-60 was that given six years before, or a new one, there is no evidence to show, but the former supposition derives plausibility from the fact that allusions to church matters in Gammer Gurton's Needle seem to indicate a pre-Elizabethan date for its composition.

From Project Gutenberg

When British Garage Owner Arthur Lindley surveyed the creaking, pre-Elizabethan cottage he owns next door to his gasoline station at Piccott's End near Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, he saw a depressing sight.

From Time Magazine Archive

The play springs from the earliest roots of pre-Elizabethan drama.

From Time Magazine Archive

As in the pre-Elizabethan days the public amusements consisted of performances by priests and monks on scaffolding set up before the church, mystery plays, “moralities,” and “miracles,” religious pageants through the village streets,—so in the Philippines, where they have not outlived the fourteenth century, the Church plays an important part in popular fiestas.

From Project Gutenberg

Authoritative for the pre-Elizabethan drama, with valuable bibliography and appendices.

From Project Gutenberg