Superior meal didn't start (5)
I believe the answer is:
upper
'superior' is the definition.
(eg an upper house in a parliament)
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for upper that I've seen before include "Higher in place or position" , "Top of shoe; stimulant" , "Higher; part of shoe" , "form of stimulant" , "Higher in status" .)