'beforehand' originates from Middle English, specifically the combination of 'before' and 'hand', where 'before' meant 'in front of' and 'hand' referred to 'possession or control'.

'beforehand' changed from the Middle English word 'biforhonde' and eventually became the modern English word 'beforehand'.

Initially, it meant 'in front of possession or control', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'in advance'.