first-string
[furst-string]
- composed of regular members, participants, etc. (distinguished from substitute): the first-string team.
- foremost; main: the first-string critics.
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Origin of first-string
First recorded in 1915–20
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for first-string
Historical Examples
There was no scrimmage until the first-string men had trotted off the field.
Left End EdwardsRalph Henry Barbour
On Friday there was only signal work for the subs, but the first-string players and the second held scrimmage as usual.
Center Rush RowlandRalph Henry Barbour
Dont, added the coach, fool yourselves with the idea that if you get in trouble Ill put the first-string men in to pull you out.
Center Rush RowlandRalph Henry Barbour
Hughson and Joe were pitching magnificent ball, but they were the only first-string pitchers that could be absolutely relied on.
Baseball Joe on the GiantsLester Chadwick
The first-string men were given easy practice and faced the second for only ten minutes in scrimmage.
Left End EdwardsRalph Henry Barbour