Early 17th century; earliest use found in Thomas Taylor (1576–1632), Church of England clergyman. From ante- + type, probably resulting from reanalysis of antitype.
Definition of antetype in US English:
antetype
nounˈantɪtʌɪp
A preceding type; an earlier example.
Origin
Early 17th century; earliest use found in Thomas Taylor (1576–1632), Church of England clergyman. From ante- + type, probably resulting from reanalysis of antitype.