ahead, forward, before

歬 is composed of 止 (stop) and 舟 (boat). 止 is a pictograph of the sole of the foot, representing walking, while 舟 represents traveling by boat. Together they convey the idea of a boat docking at the shore and then continuing on foot after landing. Therefore, 歬 is used to describe something that is at the front, in the lead, or first in order. The character 歬 was later replaced by 前, and is no longer in use today.