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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

firstling

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

From Time Magazine Archive

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

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

All that openeth the womb is mine; every firstling among thy cattle, whether ox or sheep, that is male.

From Prolegomena by Julius Wellhausen

No grateful sacrifice, No firstling lambs, unheedful! didst thou vow To Phoebus, patron of the shaft and bow.

From The Iliad by Alexander Pope

Then snatch'd Meriones in haste the bow From Teucer's hand; his own already held His arrow, pointed straight; he drew the string, And to the far-destroying King he vow'd Of firstling lambs a solemn hecatomb.

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

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