Final answer:
A superior lien in the crop lien system refers to a higher priority claim on a farmer's future crops as collateral for loans.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the crop lien system that was prevalent in the South, a superior lien would refer to a higher priority claim on a farmer's future crops as collateral for loans.
For example, if a farmer had multiple debts, the lender with a superior lien would have the first right to the crops as repayment when they were harvested.
This concept of a superior lien was important as it determined the order in which creditors would be repaid from the farmer's crop yields.