‖ imprimis, adv. or advb. phr.
(ɪmˈpraɪmɪs)
Also 5–6 in primis, inprimis, 7 in-primis.
[L. assimilated form of in prīmīs, lit. ‘among the first things’, ‘in the first place’.]
In the first place; first. Orig. used to introduce the first of a number of items, as in an inventory or will; thence in more general use. Now unusual.
| 1465 Marg. Paston in P. Lett. No. 503. II. 189 Inprimis, a peyr brygandyrs, a salet [etc.]. 1548 Hall Chron., Hen. VIII 147 b, In primis, the Frenche kyng sware to kepe peace. 1616 Bullokar, Imprimis, first of all. 1699 Farquhar Const. Coup. i. ii. Wks. 1892 I. 141 In a month's space, have I gained—let me see, imprimis, Colonel Standard. 1700 Congreve Way of World iv. v. Wks. (Rtldg.) 278/1 Imprimis then, I covenant, that your acquaintance be general. a 1774 Goldsm. New Simile 15 Imprimis, pray observe his hat, Wings upon either side—mark that. 1842 E. Fitzgerald Lett. (1889) I. 89 What made you write the verses if you were not moved by the picture imprimis? 1860 All Year Round No. 63. 304 Imprimis, then, who can make a will? |