n.
Pronunciation: ' f ə rst
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English fyrst; akin to Old High German furist first, Old English faran to go ― more at FARE
Date: before 12th century
: preceding all others in time, order, or importance: as a : EARLIEST b : being the lowest forward gear or speed of a motor vehicle c : having the highest or most prominent part among a group of similar voices or instruments < first tenor> < first violins>