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first-class

[furst-klas, -klahs]
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adjective
  1. of the highest or best class or quality: a first-class movie.
  2. best-equipped and most expensive: a first-class railroad car.
  3. given or entitled to preferred treatment, handling, etc.: first-class mail.
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adverb
  1. by first-class conveyance: to travel first-class.
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Origin of first-class

First recorded in 1780–90

first class

noun
  1. the best, finest, or highest class, grade, or rank.
  2. the most expensive and most luxurious class of accommodation on trains, ships, airplanes, etc.
  3. (in the U.S. Postal Service) the class of mail consisting of letters, postal cards, or the like, together with all mailable matter sealed against inspection.
  4. British University. the group receiving the highest distinction in an honors course.
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Origin of first class

First recorded in 1740–50
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

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British Dictionary definitions for first-class

first class

noun
  1. the class or grade of the best or highest value, quality, etc
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adjective (first-class when prenominal)
  1. of the best or highest class or gradea first-class citizen
  2. excellent; first-rate
  3. of or denoting the most comfortable and expensive class of accommodation in a hotel, aircraft, train, etc
    1. (in Britain) of or relating to mail that is processed most quickly
    2. (in the US and Canada) of or relating to mail that consists mainly of written letters, cards, etc
  5. education See first (def. 10)
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adverb first-class
  1. by first-class mail, means of transportation, etc
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012