Paramount

Above; upwards. That which ls superior; usually applied to the highest lord of the fee ot lands, tenements or hereditaments, as distinguished from the mesne (or intermediate) lord. Fitzh. Nat. BreV. 135. In the law of real property, the term "paramount title" properly denotes one which is superior to the title with which it is compared, in the sense that the former is the source or origin of the latter. It is, however, frequently used to denote a title which is simply better or stronger than another, or will prevail over it. But this use is scarcely correct, unless the superiority censists in the seniority of the title spoken of as "paramount" See Hoopes v. Meyer, 1 Nev. 444.

— Paramount equity. An equitable right or claim which is prior, superior, or preferable to that with which it is compared.

In English law. Above; over; overall; upwards. Applied to the supreme lord of a fee, between whom and the tenant, or tenant paravail, there was an intermediate or mesne lord. Paramount especifle: above specified.

Above, higher, superior, pre-eminent. As, a paramount equity, incumbrance, title — the origin and source of another title, as, the title of a landlord in comparison with that of his tenant. Compare Paravail. The Constitution and laws of the United States are told to be of paramount importance.^

That which i is superior. It is usually applied to the highest lord of the fee, of lands, tenements, or hereditaments. F. N. B. 135. Where A lets lands to B, and he underlets them to C, in this case A is the paramount, and B is the mesne landlord. Vide Mesne, and 2 RI. Com. 91.