First — Defs

01 a. 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.

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.
Foremost; in front of, or in advance of, all others.
3.
Most eminent or exalted; most excellent; chief; highest; as, Demosthenes was the first orator of Greece.
“It is the intention of the person to reveal it at first hand, by way of mouth, to yourself.” — Dickens.

“See, Father, what first fruits on earth are sprung From thy implanted grace in man!” — Milton.

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

1.
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.

“And all are fools and lovers first or last.” — Dryden.

Phrases & compounds

At first — at the beginning or origin.

First or last — at one time or another; at the beginning or end.

03 n. The upper part of a duet, trio, etc., either vocal or instrumental; -- so called because it generally expresses the air, and has a preëmine…

1.
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.(Mus.)