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

His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns like the Horns of Unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth.”—Deut. xxxiii.

From The Lost Ten Tribes, and 1882 by Wild, Joseph

For her the tender firstling tendrils grew;— Rich crop or meagre, what is that to you?

From Love's Comedy by Herford, C. H. (Charles Harold)

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

The firstling swallow flying,     Later, owlets will be crying.

From The Dales of Arcady by Ratcliffe, Dorothy Una