noun
1.
a. : the first and usually highest group in a classification ; specifically : the group of persons who have obtained highest distinction in an honors course at a British university
b. : a place in or a member of such a group
2. : the highest of usually three classes of accommodations (as on a passenger ship) — compare cabin class
3. : a class of mail that comprises letters, postcards, any matter wholly or partly in handwriting or typewriting, and any matter sealed against inspection, that requires the highest rate of postage, and that is accorded privileged treatment such as free forwarding or return to sender in case of nondelivery to addressee
4. : the third rank in the rising scale of ranks in the Boy Scouts of America or the Girl Scouts of America — compare second class , tenderfoot