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.
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 preÎminence in the combined effect.
First"born` (?), a. First brought forth; first in the order of
nativity; eldest; hence, most excellent; most distinguished or exalted.
First"-class` (?), a. Of the best class; of the highest rank; in the
first division; of the best quality; first-rate; as, a first-class
telescope.
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.
First"-hand` (?), a. Obtained directly from the first or original
source; hence, without the intervention of an agent.
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.
First"ling (?), n. [First + - ling.] 1. The first produce or offspring;
-- said of animals, especially domestic animals; as, the firstlings of
his flock. Milton.