headforemost

American  

[hed-fawr-mohst, -muhst, -fohr-] / ˈhɛdˈfɔrˌmoʊst, -məst, -ˈfoʊr- /

adverb

1. headfirst.

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Etymology

Origin of headforemost

First recorded in 1615–25; head + foremost

Example Sentences

As he said the words, he threw off his coat, waistcoat, and his long gum-boots, and plunged headforemost into the sea.

From Project Gutenberg

An Irishman, when not stranded on the Scylla of indolence, is certain to flounder headforemost on the Charybdis of enthusiasm; and, of the two dangers, the latter is generally the worst.'

From Project Gutenberg

Austin felt for a better hold, but two or three bales fetched away as he did so, and in another moment he plunged down headforemost into the sea.

From Project Gutenberg

A flock of these hopping penguins presents an odd and peculiar appearance, as, after leisurely bathing in the sea, and providing a sufficient supply of food for their young, their elegant heads emerge from the water, when carefully calculating the effect of the breakers, they ride their crest and allow themselves to be deposited on the beach; or, after hopping from stone to stone, the plumes on their heads nodding to and fro, suddenly plunge headforemost into the sea, like so many somersault-throwers!

From Project Gutenberg

Leyland, as generally happens, wriggled headforemost into what might be termed the pocket of the net, and it cost me some trouble to extricate him.

From Project Gutenberg