first-foot

[ furst-foot ]

noun

1. the first person to cross the threshold of a house on New Year's Day.
2. the first person met after starting out on the day of an important occasion.

verb (used with object)

1. to enter (a house) first on New Year's Day.

verb (used without object)

1. to be the first to enter a house on New Year's Day.

first-foot

noun

1. the first person to enter a household in the New Year. By Hogmanay tradition a dark-haired man who crosses the threshold at midnight brings good luck

verb

1. to enter (a house) as first-foot

Derived Forms

• ˈfirst-ˈfooting, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of first-foot¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

The "first-foot," on receiving his bread and cheese, is expected to return a short distance with the child, to show his good will.

From Project Gutenberg

But our business at present is with the first-foot, and we must hold.

From Project Gutenberg

It was evident she had set him down in her mind as an unlucky first-foot.

From Project Gutenberg

Does the question of first-foot rest upon the colour of the hair or upon the sex of the person?

From Project Gutenberg

The “first-foot” superstition is found in countries as far apart as 324Scotland and Macedonia.

From Project Gutenberg