‖ prima vista
(ˈprima ˈvista)
[It., lit. ‘first sight’: see prima2.]
† 1. (Also corruptly 6 primo visto, 7 primuiste, primivist(e, -ta, -efisto, -ofistula). An old game at cards (by some identified with primero). Obs.
| 1591 Greene Disc. Coosnage Wks. (Grosart) X. 25 What will you play at, at Primero, Primo visto, Sant, one and thirtie, new cut, or what shall be the game? 1598 Florio, Prima,..a game at cardes called Prime, Primero, or Primauista. 1617 Minsheu Ductor, Primero, and Primavista, two games at cardes..primum, & primum visum, that is first and first seene, because hee that can shew such an order of cardes, first winnes the game. 1621 J. Taylor (Water P.) Motto Wks. (1630) E e iv b/2 At Primefisto, Post and payre, Primero, Maw, Whip-her-ginny, he's a lib'rall Hero. 1628 Earle Microcosm., Reserved Man (Arb.) 35 His words are like the cards at Primuiste, where 6. is 18. and 7. 21, for they neuer signifie what they sound. 1632 Hausted Rival Friends Pref. A iij b, A set at Maw or Primivista. a 1652 Brome New Acad. iii. i, Gleek and Primero, Gresco, sant, primofistula, I know all by hear-say. |
2. Music. At first sight; as, to play or sing prima vista.
| 1845 [see transpose v. 7]. 1974 Listener 14 Feb. 218/2 The London Symphony Orchestra..is still full of excellent players who can read almost everything prima vista. |