first-line

[ furst-lahyn ]

adjective

1. available for immediate service, especially combat service:

   first-line troops.

2. of prime importance or quality.

first-line

adjective

1. acting or used as a first resort

   first-line treatment

   first-line batsmen

Word History and Origins

Origin of first-line¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

The enemy had abandoned the first-line positions, and we met with but little resistance in the second.

From Project Gutenberg

The intense heat created a great demand for water for the first-line troops.

From Project Gutenberg

A subaltern, who was examining a luminous watch, received him at the charge as he fell into an English first-line trench.

From Project Gutenberg

To the best of his knowledge the Corps had only thirty-one first-line battleships, much smaller than these.

From Project Gutenberg

The battalion finally arrived behind the first-line trench, which was held at the time by a battalion of the King's Own Borderers.

From Project Gutenberg