preceding all others in time or space or degree; "the first house on the right"; "the first day of spring"; "his first political race"; "her first baby"; "the first time"; "the first meetings of the new party"; "the first phase of his training"
6
precedent
preceding in time, order, or significance
3
age-old
belonging to or lasting from times very long ago; "age-old customs"; "Western civilization is ancient"; "the antique fear that days would dwindle away to complete darkness"
2
former(a)
(used especially of persons) of to the immediate past; "the former president"; "our late President is still very active"; "the previous occupant of the White House"
1
excellent
of the highest quality; "made an excellent speech"; "the school has excellent teachers"; "a first-class mind"