Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
First-rate
First′-rateˊ
(fẽrst′rātˊ)
, Adj.
Of the highest excellence; preëminent in quality, size, or estimation.
Our only
first-rate
body of contemporary poetry is the German. M. Arnold.
Hermocrates . . . a man of
first-rate
ability. Jowett (Thucyd).
First′-rateˊ
,Noun.
(Naut.)
A war vessel of the highest grade or the most powerful class.
Webster 1828 Edition
First-rate
FIRST'-RATE
,Adj.
1.
Of the highest excellence; preeminent; as a first-rate scholar or painter.2.
Being of the largest size; as a first-rate ship.