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

Abel saw in it only a "firstling of his flock."

From Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel and Selections from his Writings by Graham, Robert

Then the scholar we are describing, the neglecter rather than the inspector of books, stuffs his volume with firstling violets, roses, and quadrifoils.

From The Book-Hunter A New Edition, with a Memoir of the Author by Burton, John Hill

In thy firstling, new-born child All our life is laid.

From Renaissance in Italy: Italian Literature Part 1 (of 2) by Symonds, John Addington

The shepherd roused him from his sleep, And down the vale be hied, Like guardian good, to count his sheep, His firstling by his side.

From The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 14, No. 406, December 26, 1829 by Various