The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

First-rate \First"-rate`\ (f[~e]rst"r[=a]t`), a.
   Of the highest excellence; pre["e]minent in quality, size, or
   estimation.
   [1913 Webster]

         Our only first-rate body of contemporary poetry is the
         German.                                  --M. Arnold.
   [1913 Webster]

         Hermocrates . . . a man of first-rate ability. --Jowett
                                                  (Thucyd).
   [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

First-rate \First"-rate`\, n. (Naut.)
   A war vessel of the highest grade or the most powerful class.
   [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

first-rate \first-rate\ adj.
   1. of the highest quality; as, a first-rate reporter.

   Syn: ace, A-one, first-class, super, tip-top, topnotch,
        tops(predicate).
        [WordNet 1.5]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

first-rate
    adv 1: quite well; "she doesn't feel first-rate today" [syn:
           first-rate, very well]
    adj 1: of the highest quality; "an ace reporter"; "a crack
           shot"; "a first-rate golfer"; "a super party"; "played
           top-notch tennis"; "an athlete in tiptop condition"; "she
           is absolutely tops" [syn: ace, A-one, crack,
           first-rate, super, tiptop, topnotch, top-notch,
           tops(p)]

Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0:

21 Moby Thesaurus words for "first-rate":
   ace, admirable, crack, excellent, exceptional, extraordinary, fine,
   first-class, great, high-grade, matchless, outstanding, prime,
   remarkable, superb, superior, top, top-notch, unparalleled,
   unsurpassed, wizard