Before death; -- generally used adjectively; as, an ante-mortem statement; ante-mortem examination. [1913 Webster]
" The ante-mortem statement, or dying declaration made in view of death, by one injured, as to the cause and manner of the injury, is often receivable in evidence against one charged with causing the death." [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

ante, ante bellum, ante meridiem, ante up, penny ante, penny ante poker