I. pri-ˈmir, -ˈmyir, -ˈmē-ər; ˈprē-ˌ, ˈpre-ˌ adjective
Etymology: Middle English primer, primier, from Anglo-French, first, chief, from Latin primarius of the first rank — more at primary
Date: 15th century
1. : first in position, rank, or importance
2. : first in time : earliest
II. noun
Etymology: French, from premier, adjective, from Old French
Date: 1711
: prime minister
• pre·mier·ship -ˌship noun