The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
First \First\ (f[~e]rst), adv. Before any other person or thing in time, space, rank, etc.; -- much used in composition with adjectives and participles. [1913 Webster] Adam was first formed, then Eve. --1 Tim. ii. 13. [1913 Webster] At first, At the first, at the beginning or origin. First or last, at one time or another; at the beginning or end. [1913 Webster] And all are fools and lovers first or last. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]