firstling

American  

[furst-ling] / ˈfɜrst lɪŋ /

noun

1. the first of its kind to be produced or to appear.

2. first offspring.

3. a first product or result.

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firstling British  

/ ˈfɜːstlɪŋ /

noun

1. the first, esp the first offspring

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Etymology

Origin of firstling

First recorded in 1525–35; first + -ling ¹

Example Sentences

More important than a firstling mother's age is her general health, the normality of her construction.

From Time Magazine Archive

The first was Teucer's; with impetuous force He shot; but vow'd not to the Archer-King Of firstling lambs a solemn hecatomb.

From The Iliad by Derby, Edward George Geoffrey Smith Stanley, Earl of

But there is an interesting touch of nature in the words “the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb.”

From The Expositor's Bible: The Book of Exodus by Chadwick, G. A.

In the lunette upon the right on either side an altar gorgeously draped, Abel offers to God the firstling of his flock and Melchizedek Bread and Wine.

From Ravenna, a Study by Hutton, Edward

The song-sparrow, that universal favorite and firstling of the spring, comes before April, and its simple strain gladdens all hearts.

From Wake-Robin by Burroughs, John