first water

noun

1. (formerly) the highest degree of fineness in a diamond or other precious stone. Compare water ( def 12 ).
2. the finest quality; highest rank.

first water

noun

1. the finest quality of diamond or other precious stone
2. the highest grade or best quality
3. the most extreme kind

   a fool of the first water

Word History and Origins

Origin of first water¹

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

She was got up expensive, all real lace and first-water sparks, and just as handsome as a towel rack.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet they were constantly after him, for they knew they were likely to get a first-water gem.

From Project Gutenberg

An expert would have known immediately that it was a first-water product of an expert gunsmith.

From Project Gutenberg