(used to show a length of time measured back to a point in the past); before now
in the past
Cases of word usage
1) belonging to times long ago (ancient)
2) of the method of holding land (by giving services to the owner) as in Europe until four hundred years ago (feudal)
3) a well-known story used long ago to explain natural events, the history of a society or race etc (myth)
4) (having existed, been made, happened) a short time ago (recent)
5) (used to refer to when a period of time began) between then and now (or the time mentioned); (dated) ago (since)