Coming before (all) others in time.
Positioned in front of (all) others in space, most forward.
Closest to the bow.
Of the highest rank or position; of the greatest importance; of the highest priority.
In front, prominently forward.
First in time.
Most importantly.
At some time in the past; former, sometime.
At some time in the past; formerly, once upon a time.
During the same time that; while.
Up to the time that; till, until.