first

n. (Mus.) The upper part of a duet, trio, etc., either vocal or instrumental; -- so called because it generally expresses the air, and has a preëminence in the combined effect. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ OE. first, furst, AS. fyrst; akin to Icel. fyrstr, Sw. & Dan. förste, OHG. furist, G. fürst prince; a superlatiye form of E. for, fore. See For, Fore, and cf. Formeer, Foremost. ] 1. Preceding all others of a series or kind; the ordinal of one; earliest; as, the first day of a month; the first year of a reign. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Foremost; in front of, or in advance of, all others. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Most eminent or exalted; most excellent; chief; highest; as, Demosthenes was the first orator of Greece. [ 1913 Webster ]

At first blush. See under Blush. --
At first hand, from the first or original source; without the intervention of any agent. [ 1913 Webster ] It is the intention of the person to reveal it at first hand, by way of mouth, to yourself. Dickens. --
First coat (Plastering), the solid foundation of coarse stuff, on which the rest is placed; it is thick, and crossed with lines, so as to give a bond for the next coat. --
First day, Sunday; -- so called by the Friends. --
First floor. (a) The ground floor. [ U.S. ] (b) The floor next above the ground floor. [ Eng. ] --
First fruit or
First fruits. (a) The fruits of the season earliest gathered. (b) (Feudal Law) One year's profits of lands belonging to the king on the death of a tenant who held directly from him. (c) (Eng. Eccl. Law) The first year's whole profits of a benefice or spiritual living. (d) The earliest effects or results. [ 1913 Webster ] See, Father, what first fruits on earth are sprung
From thy implanted grace in man! Milton. --
First mate, an officer in a merchant vessel next in rank to the captain. --
First name, same as Christian name. See under Name, n. --
First officer (Naut.), in the merchant service, same as First mate (above). --
First sergeant (Mil.), the ranking non-commissioned officer in a company; the orderly sergeant. Farrow. --
First watch (Naut.), the watch from eight to twelve at midnight; also, the men on duty during that time. --
First water, the highest quality or purest luster; -- said of gems, especially of diamond and pearls.

Syn. -- Primary; primordial; primitive; primeval; pristine; highest; chief; principal; foremost. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Medical care provided immediately after an injury or sudden illness for the purpose of minimizing injurious effects, before more complete medical care becomes available. [ PJC ]

a. First brought forth; first in the order of birth; eldest; hence, most excellent; most distinguished or exalted; as, the firstborn child.
Syn. -- eldest. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The first child born to a parent; as, his firstborn was showered with gifts from relatives.
Syn. -- eldest. [ PJC ]

a. Of the best class; of the highest rank; in the first division; of the best quality; first-rate; as, a first-class telescope. [ 1913 Webster ]

First-class car or
First-class railway carriage, any passenger car of the highest regular class, and intended for passengers who pay the highest regular rate; -- distinguished from a second-class car. [ 1913 Webster ]

adj. distributed in order to those who request it in person; not subject to reservation for later delivery. Contrasted with reservable. [ predicate ]
Syn. -- rush. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

a. Obtained directly from the first or original source; hence, without the intervention of an agent; -- of information; as, a firsthand report; firsthand information; firsthand knowledge.
Syn. -- direct, original. [ 1913 Webster ]

One sphere there is . . . where the apprehension of him is first-hand and direct; and that is the sphere of our own mind. J. Martineau. [ 1913 Webster ]