FIRSTRATE

First"-rate`, a.

Definition: 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"-rate`, n. (Naut.)

Definition: A war vessel of the highest grade or the most powerful class.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition