(1):
(adv.) Soon; in good season; seasonably; betimes; as, come early.
(2):
(adv.) In advance of the usual or appointed time; in good season; prior in time; among or near the first; - opposed to late; as, the early bird; an early spring; early fruit.
(3):
(adv.) Coming in the first part of a period of time, or among the first of successive acts, events, etc.