erst adverb & adjective. [ǝ:st]
[Old English ǣrest superl. corresp. to ǣr ERE = Old Saxon ērist (Dutch eerst), Old High German ērist (German erst): see -EST¹.]
A. adverb.
1. Earliest, first in order of time. OE-LME.

2. In the first place, in preference to doing something else. OE-E19.

3. At first, initially. OE-E17.

4. Sooner; before a specified time or event. ME-L16.

5. a. Long ago, formerly, of old. arch. exc. poet. ME.
b. Recently; not long ago. L15-L18.
B. adjective. Occurring first in time. OE-ME.
Phrases: at erst (now, or then) and not before; at once.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲