firstling
Definition
- Noun:
- The first offspring of an animal: "firstling" refers to the firstborn or earliest young produced by a mammal, especially a domesticated animal such as a sheep, cow, or goat.
- The first product or result of something: In a broader sense, "firstling" can denote the initial outcome, yield, or achievement of an effort, often used in the plural form ("firstlings") to mean first fruits or earliest results.
Usage Examples
Noun (offspring):
- The farmer sold the firstling lamb for a high price at the market. (The firstborn lamb of the season.)
- In ancient rituals, the firstling of the flock was often offered as a sacrifice. (The firstborn animal from the herd.)
Noun (product or result):
- The poet's firstling works were published when he was only twenty. (The earliest literary works he produced.)
- These early paintings are the firstlings of a long and successful career. (The initial creative outputs.)
Advanced Usage
"firstling of the season": the earliest young born in a particular breeding cycle.
- The firstling of the season was born in early spring. (The earliest lamb or calf of that year.)
"firstling fruits": the first agricultural products harvested, often used metaphorically.
- They offered the firstling fruits of the vineyard to the gods. (The earliest grapes from the harvest.)
Variants and Related Words
- Firstling (adj, rare): relating to or being the first of its kind.
- The firstling calf was healthy and strong. (The firstborn calf.)
Synonyms
- Firstborn: the first child or offspring born to a parent.
- First-fruits: the earliest harvested produce, often used figuratively.
- Primogeniture (n, formal): the state of being the firstborn child.
Related Idioms
- The firstling of the flock: a biblical or literary phrase referring to the firstborn animal, often symbolizing the best or most valuable.
- He sacrificed the firstling of the flock as a sign of devotion. (The finest animal from the herd.)