Part 161

Dryden.

First, n. (Mus.) The upper part of a duet, trio, etc., either vocal or instrumental; -- so called because it generally expresses the air, and has a preÎminence in the combined effect.

First"born` (?), a. First brought forth; first in the order of nativity; eldest; hence, most excellent; most distinguished or exalted.

First"-class` (?), a. Of the best class; of the highest rank; in the first division; of the best quality; first-rate; as, a first-class telescope.

First-class car or First-class railway carriage, any passenger car of the highest regular class, and intended for passengers who pay the highest regular rate; -- distinguished from a second-class car.

First"-hand` (?), a. Obtained directly from the first or original source; hence, without the intervention of an agent.

One sphere there is . . . where the apprehension of him is first-hand and direct; and that is the sphere of our own mind.

J. Martineau.

First"ling (?), n. [First + - ling.] 1. The first produce or offspring; -- said of animals, especially domestic animals; as, the firstlings of his flock. Milton.

2. The thing first thought or done.

The very firstlings of my heart shall be The firstlings of my hand.

Shak.

First"ling, a. Firstborn.

All the firstling males.

Deut. xv. 19.

First"ly, adv. In the first place; before anything else; -- sometimes improperly used for first.

First"-rate` (?), a. Of the highest excellence; preÎminent in quality, size, or estimation.

Our only first-rate body of contemporary poetry is the German.

M. Arnold.

Hermocrates . . . a man of first-rate ability.

Jowett (Thucyd).

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

Firth (?), n. [Scot. See Frith.] (geog.) An arm of the sea; a frith.

Fir" tree` (?). See Fir.

Fisc (?), n. [F. fisc, fr. L. fiscus basket, money basket, treasury; prob. akin to fascis bundle. See Fasces.] A public or state treasury. Burke.

Fis"cal (?), a. [F. fiscal, L. fiscalis, fr. fiscus. See Fisc.] Pertaining to the public treasury or revenue.

The fiscal arreangements of government.

A>Hamilton.