first \first\ f~erst, 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.
   1913 webster

   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.
      1913 webster
see also:
at first at the first first or last