(adv.) Up to that time; before then; -- correlative with heretofore.
Example Sentences:
(1) Pseudomonas putrefaciens should theretofore be retained as a single species and characteristics for identifying the various groups within the species are listed.
(2) Generally speaking, the news media don't lament the theretofore bright futures of young men (or women) convicted of other violent crimes, such as the killing of girlfriends or executing down-on-their-luck job-hunters .