Earlier; elder; preceding; superior in rank, right, or time; as, a prior lien, mortgage, or judgment. See Fidelity, etc., Safe Deposit Co. v. Roanoke Iron Co. (C. C.) 81 Fed. 447. Prior tempore potior jure. He who is first in time is preferred in right Co. Litt 14a; Broom, Max. 354, 358.