[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

first-rate \first"-rate`\, n. naut.
   a war vessel of the highest grade or the most powerful class.
   1913 webster

[2] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

first-rate \first-rate\ adj.
   1. of the highest quality; as, a first-rate reporter.

   syn: ace, a-one, first-class, super, tip-top, topnotch,
        topspredicate.
        wordnet 1.5

[3] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

first-rate \first"-rate`\ f~erst"r=at`, a.
   of the highest excellence; pre"eminent in quality, size, or
   estimation.
   1913 webster

         our only first-rate body of contemporary poetry is the
         german.                                  --m. arnold.
   1913 webster

         hermocrates . . . a man of first-rate ability. --jowett
                                                  thucyd.
   1913 webster

[4] : WordNet (r) 2.0

first-rate
     adj : of the highest quality; "an ace reporter"; "a crack shot";
           "a first-rate golfer"; "a super party"; "played
           top-notch tennis"; "an athlete in tiptop condition";
           "she is absolutely tops" syn: ace, a-one, crack,
            super, tiptop, topnotch, topsp
     adv : quite well; "she doesn't feel first-rate today" syn: very
           well
see also:
ace a-one crack super tiptop topnotch 
topsp very well 

[5] : Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0

21 moby thesaurus words for "first-rate":
   ace, admirable, crack, excellent, exceptional, extraordinary, fine,
   first-class, great, high-grade, matchless, outstanding, prime,
   remarkable, superb, superior, top, top-notch, unparalleled,
   unsurpassed, wizard

First-Rate >> F Words
First-Rate, definition of term: First-Rate
first-rate_pag1.html