First \First\, adv. Before any other person or thing in time, space, rank, etc.; -- much used in composition with adjectives and participles.

Adam was first formed, then Eve. --1 Tim. ii. 13.

At first, At the first, at the beginning or origin.

First or last, at one time or another; at the beginning or end.

And all are fools and lovers first or last. --Dryden.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)