first-foot
noun
the first person to cross the threshold of a house on New Year's Day.
first-footing
-
a word derived from
first-foot.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She says there were other traditions going on around Scotland, such as first-footing, which refers to the first person to cross the threshold of a home after midnight on New Year's Day.
From BBC ● Dec. 29, 2025
It meant Hogmanay on 31 December with its feasting, music, dancing and traditions such as first-footing was the country's main winter celebration.
From BBC ● Dec. 29, 2025
Now Astley is following in the musical first-footing footsteps of Robbie Williams, Alicia Keys and Sam Ryder, having been chosen to play the concert shown annually either side of the midnight fireworks on BBC One.
From BBC ● Dec. 30, 2023
This island-wide massed first-footing will pick out only those dwellings whose outside light is left on.
From The Guardian ● Dec. 31, 2017
In Scotland first-footing was always more elaborate than in England, involving a subsequent entertainment.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 4 "Finland" to "Fleury, Andre" by Various
