The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Paravant \Par"a*vant`\, Paravant \Par"a*vant`\, adv. [OF. par
   avant. See Par, and 1st Avaunt.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. In front; publicly. [Obs.] --Spenser.
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   2. Beforehand; first. [Obs.] --Spenser.
      [1913 Webster]