Primary
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PRIMARY. That which is first or principal; as primary evidence, or that
evidence which is to be admitted in the first instance, as distinguished
from secondary evidence, which is allowed only when primary evidence cannot
be had.
2. A primary obligation is one which is the principal object of the
contract; for example, the primary obligation of the seller is to deliver
the thing sold, and to transfer the title to it. It is distinguished from
the accessory or secondary obligation to pay damages for not doing so. 1
Bouv. Inst. n. 702.
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. By John Bouvier. Published 1856.