Fi'rstling. n.s. [from first.]

1. The first produce or offspring.

                       A shepherd next,
   More meek, came with the firstlings of his flock,
   Choicest and best. Milton's Paradise Lost, b.. xi.

   The tender firstlings of my woolly breed,
   Shall on his holy altar often bleed. Dryden's Virg. Past.

   The firstlings of the flock are doom'd to die;
   Rich fragrant wines the cheering bowl supply. Poe's Odyss.

2. The thing first thought or done.

                           Our play
   Leaps o'er the vaunt and firstlings of these broils,
   'Ginning i' th' middle. Shakes. Troil. and Cress. Prologue.

   The flighty purpose works o'erlook,
   Unless the deed go with it: from this moment,
   The very firstlings of my heart shall be
   The firstlings of my hand. Shakespeare's Macbeth.