Before now; SYN. earlier, in the beginning, to begin with, originally.
1. Of primary import; SYN. in the first place.
2. For the most part; chiefly
3. In the first place; originally
ETYM Old Eng. first, furst, as. fyrst; akin to Icel. fyrstr, Swed. and Dan. förste, Old High Germ. furist, German fürst prince; a superlatiye form of Eng. for, fore. Related to For, Fore, Formeer, Foremost.
1. Preceding all others in time or space or degree.
2. Ranking above all others; SYN. foremost, top.
3. Indicating the beginning unit in a series; SYN. 1st.
4. Being the gear producing the lowest drive speed; SYN. low.
5. (Music) Highest in pitch or chief among parts or voices or instruments or orchestra sections.