Answer: foremost

AnswerCrossword Clue
FOREMOSTLeading
FOREMOSTFirst and ..: most important
FOREMOSTPart of a ship.
FOREMOSTPreeminent
FOREMOSTFirst in order
FOREMOSTFirst in rank
foremostfirst in a series or progression
foremostfirst in position
foremostfirst rank or position preeminent
foremostfirst in place, order, rank, etc.