foremost

Everyday

First in place, rank or order; the one at the front. tree →

In the lessons

in stories the leader of a group is the foremost one, the first to go or to be named.

Examples

• The foremost runner crossed the line. tree →
• The foremost buffalo charged at the river. tree →
• The grasshopper went foremost with his cousin behind. tree →

Note

foremost gives first place in an order, a position, not an amount; it does not add or take away

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: The order Jacob gave his family is read by commentators as a sign of his fear and care before meeting Esau, putting those he loved least at risk first and Rachel and Joseph last and safest. In the primary lessons: in stories the leader of a group is the foremost one, the first to go or to be named.

Examples

• And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost. (Torah GEN.33.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• And he commanded the foremost, saying: 'When Esau my brother meeteth thee, and asketh thee, saying: Whose art thou? and whither goest thou? and whose are these before thee? (Torah GEN.32.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the watchman said: 'I think the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.' And the king said: 'He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings.' (Prophets 2SA.18.27, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

foremost gives first place in an order, a position, not an amount; it does not add or take away