In legal terminology, what does "ante" mean?

The term "ante" is derived from Latin, meaning "before" or "prior to." In legal terminology, it commonly refers to something that occurs earlier in time or that relates to an earlier point in a document or discussion. Therefore, when "ante" is used in the context of legal documents or indexes, it signifies that something is "listed prior" to another item within the same context, which aligns precisely with the definition presented in the answer selected.

Understanding the application of "ante" in legal writing is significant, as it helps clarify references to previous cases, statutes, or discussions. Choosing "listed prior in the same index" accurately captures the essence of how the term is used in legal discourse, effectively indicating the temporal relationship among various legal references.