Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

First-rate \First"-rate`\, a.
   Of the highest excellence; pre["e]minent in quality, size, or
   estimation.

         Our only first-rate body of contemporary poetry is the
         German.                                  --M. Arnold.

         Hermocrates . . . a man of first-rate ability. --Jowett
                                                  (Thucyd).

First-rate \First"-rate`\, n. (Naut.)
   A war vessel of the highest grade or the most powerful class.

Source : WordNet®

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}, {tops(p)}]
     adv : quite well; "she doesn't feel first-rate today" [syn: {very
           well}]