first

[[t]fɜrst[/t]]

adj.

1) being before all others with respect to time, order, rank, importance, etc., used as the ordinal number of

one[/ex]

2) mad highest or chief among several voices or instruments of the same class:

first alto; first horn[/ex]

3) aum

low I, 28)

4) cvb (often cap.) being a member of the household or an intimate acquaintance of the president of the U.S. or of the governor of a state:

the First Lady; Checkers, the first dog[/ex]

5) before all others or anything else in time, order, rank, etc

6) before some other thing, event, etc.:

If you're going, phone first[/ex]

7) for the first time

8) in preference to something else; rather; sooner:

I'd die first[/ex]

9) in the first place; firstly

10) the person or thing that is first in time, order, rank, etc

11) the beginning

12) the first part; first member of a series

13) mad inf the voice or instrument that takes the highest or chief part in its class, esp. in an orchestra or chorus

14) aum low gear; first gear

15) the winning position or rank in a race or other competition

16) bus Usu., firsts

bus products of the highest quality or those produced without flaws

•

- at first sight first off

Etymology: bef. 1000; ME; OE fyr(e) st first′ness, n.