firstling

[ furst-ling ]

noun

1. the first of its kind to be produced or to appear.
2. first offspring.
3. a first product or result.

firstling

/ ˈfɜːstlɪŋ /

noun

1. the first, esp the first offspring

Word History and Origins

Origin of firstling¹

First recorded in 1525–35; first + -ling ¹

Example Sentences

According to the law, each house in Israel, i. e., no doubt, each which possessed land and flocks, had to bring two leavened firstling loaves of new wheaten meal and two yearling lambs as a thank offering.

From Project Gutenberg

Many a firstling of verse found its way to her, inscribed with reverent or loving words by the author.

From Project Gutenberg

And I chanted a canzone of Springtime and Birth, Which called o'er the sea to the firstling swallow, Who flew beside us o'er height and hollow, Till others came from their home of the Sun, And the farm-folk cried, "Dear Summer's begun."

From Project Gutenberg

The firstling swallow flying,     Later, owlets will be crying.

From Project Gutenberg

Her protest against the application of too lofty a moral standard in judging of our fellow-creatures, her championship of the "mongrel, ungainly dogs who are nobody's pets," is another of the prominent qualities of her genius fully expressed in this firstling work, being, indeed, at the root of her humorous conception of life.

From Project Gutenberg