proterus Save DMLBS proterus [only as n. in phr. hysteron proteron < ὕστερον πρότερον, cf. LL hysteroproteron] , (gram. & rhet.) hysteron proteron, reversal of natural or usual order. ~on Bede ST 614 (v. hysterologia); ~on Gir. PI I 20; Qui majora cernitis 15; Linacre Emend. Lat. lxii (v. hysteros); ~on Gerv. Melkley AV 80 (v. hyperbaton 1).