Online Dictionary

at the first Explained

At the first at English => English (Websters 1913) Of Explained:

First \First\, adv.
Before any other person or thing in time, space, rank, etc.;
-- much used in composition with adjectives and participles.

Adam was first formed, then Eve. --1 Tim. ii.
13.

{At first}, {At the first}, at the beginning or origin.

{First or last}, at one time or another; at the beginning or
end.

And all are fools and lovers first or last.
--Dryden.