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first

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first

Main Entry:: ¹first
Pronunciation:: \ˈfərst\
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>

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