Of a sequence of events or actions: (a) before anyone or anything else, first; first..sitthen (after, nouþe); (b) for the first time; (c) originally; beginnen ~, to start; finden ~, to invent; (d) beforehand, prior to; formerly; first..er (or), before; (e) then and not sooner, not until then; (f) med. first and last (lat), first thing in the morning and last thing at night; ~ or last, sooner or later; (g) proverb: first to mille, etc.

Of things listed or enumerated: in the first place, first.

With respect to importance, rank, or probability: (a) above all else, before all others, first of all; first and foremost, alre first; sitten first, occupy a seat reserved for the highest in rank; standen ~, be supreme; (b) of an alternative: more likely, rather; first..er.