at the first

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

First \First\ (f[~e]rst), adv.
   Before any other person or thing in time, space, rank, etc.;
   -- much used in composition with adjectives and participles.
   [1913 Webster]

         Adam was first formed, then Eve.         --1 Tim. ii.
                                                  13.
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   {At first}, {At the first}, at the beginning or origin.

   {First or last}, at one time or another; at the beginning or
      end.
      [1913 Webster]

            And all are fools and lovers first or last.
                                                  --Dryden.
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