The first twenty numbers were expressed by a corresponding number of dots. The first five had specific names.—Prescott.
Three first, etc.
These are the three first needs of civilized life.—Ruskin.
He has already finished the three first sticks of it.—Addison.
In my two last you had so much of Lismahago that I suppose you are glad he is gone.—Smollett.
I have not numbered the lines except of the four first books. —Cowper.
The seven first centuries were filled with a succession of triumphs.—Gibbon.
ARTICLES.
Definite article.