foremost /ˈfɔː.məʊst/adjective 4adverb 3 adjective4 •Positioned in front of (all) others in space, most forward.She prankes not by hir mistresse side, she preases not to bée / The foremost of the companie, as when she erst was frée. — 1567 •Of the highest rank or position; of the greatest importance; of the highest priority.The exhibition features works by the country’s foremost artists.Foremost among the workers’ grievances was the company’s failure to address the many safety issues in the plant. •Closest to the bow.I let fall the tiller, turned my back on them, and sat down on the foremost thwart. — 1900 •Coming before (all) others in time.[…] of both them, she / (By Pallas counsell) was to haue the grace / Of foremost greeting. — 1615 adverb3 •In front, prominently forward.She saw the young Corinthian Lycius / Charioting foremost in the envious race, — 1820 •Most importantly.[…] Mrs. Nickleby, with the utmost sincerity, gave vent to her sorrows after her own peculiar fashion of considering herself foremost, — 1838 •First in time.Alwayes the worst goes foremost, so twill prove I hope — 1618
