first lien
noun[CorU]
ukus(alsopriority lien)LAW,FINANCE
therightof apersonorfinancialorganizationto be the first to take theassetsof someone whoowesthemmoneyif thedebtis notpaid:
first lien on sthThebankwillholda firstlienon thecompanyproperty.
They are thefirstlienholders.
first-liendebt/mortgage
Thehomeremainsunfinished, and they havefileda firstlienagainst thebuilderstorecoverthe $67,000 they put down when theysignedtheagreement.