expression
prior to; before; in advance of
Used in the pattern 〜に先立って to mean 'before something happens' or 'in preparation for something'. Formal and often found in announcements or written instructions.
See also: 先立つ (さきだつ)
会議に先立って、資料を配布します。
Prior to the meeting, we will distribute the materials.
新年度に先立って、予算案が発表された。
Ahead of the new fiscal year, the budget proposal was announced.
noun, adverb
the other day; some time ago; recently
Used as a noun or adverb to refer to a recent past event. Often interchangeable with 先だって (せんだって), but さきだって is less common in this sense. May be considered slightly old-fashioned or dialectal.
See also: 先だって (せんだって)
先立ってお会いしたときにお渡しした書類です。
This is the document I gave you when we met the other day.