ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ adjective
1. : being a regular as distinguished from a substitute (as on a football team)
first-string quarterback
2. : being of the first order of quality or importance
drew highly favorable notices from nearly all the first-string critics — Current Biography
almost the only first-string American statesman who managed to combine high office with humor — A.J.Liebling