diff --git a/lib/spack/spack/version.py b/lib/spack/spack/version.py
index 0d8520a0e0a..3414c9c8d9d 100644
--- a/lib/spack/spack/version.py
+++ b/lib/spack/spack/version.py
@@ -107,10 +107,6 @@ def coercing_method(a, b, *args, **kwargs):
     return coercing_method
 
 
-def _numeric_lt(self0, other):
-    """Compares two versions, knowing they're both numeric"""
-
-
 class Version(object):
     """Class to represent versions"""