first lien
noun [ C or U ]
ukus(also priority lien) LAW, FINANCE
the right of a person or financial organization to be the first to take the assets of someone who owes them money if the debt is not paid:
first lien on sth The bank will hold a first lien on the company property.
They are the first lien holders.
first-lien debt/mortgage
The home remains unfinished, and they have filed a first lien against the builders to recover the $67,000 they put down when they signed the agreement.