FIRST, a. furst. [See fare and for.]

1. Advanced before or further than any other in progression; foremost in place; as, the first man in a marching company or troop is the man that precedes all the rest. Hence,
2. Preceding all others in the order of time. Adam was the first man. Cain was the first murderer. Monday was the first day of January.
3. Preceding all others in numbers or a progressive series; the ordinal of one; as, 1 is the first number.
4. Preceding all others in rank, dignity or excellence. Demosthenes was the first orator of Greece. Burke was one of the first geniuses of his age. Give God the first place, in your affections.

1. Before any thing else in the order of time. Adam was first formed, then Eve. 1 Tim. ii.
2. Before all others in place or progression. Let the officers enter the gate first.
3. Before any thing else in order of proceeding or consideration. First, let us attend to the examination of the witnesses.
4. Before all others in rank. He stands or ranks first in public estimation. At first, at the first, at the beginning or origin. First or last, at one time or another; at the beginning or end. And all are fools and lovers first or last. Dryden.

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.
2. Before any other person or thing in time, space, rank, etc.; -- much used in composition with adjectives and participles.
   
   

   Adam was first formed, then Eve. 1 Tim. ii. 13.

   At first, At the first, at the beginning or origin. -- First or last, at one time or another; at the beginning or end.

   And all are fools and lovers first or last. Dryden.

3. 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.
4. Foremost; in front of, or in advance of, all others.
5. Most eminent or exalted; most excellent; chief; highest; as, Demosthenes was the first orator of Greece.
   
   

   At first blush. See under Blush. -- At first hand, from the first or original source; without the intervention of any agent.

   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 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.

   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.