first-name

I. \\ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷\ transitive verb

Etymology: first name

: to address by the first name

the doctor's son from Edinburgh and the boy from Abilene were soon first-naming each other — T.C.Mendenhall †1924

II. \\ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\ adjective

Etymology: first name

: familiar enough to speak and be spoken to by a first name or nickname

on first-name terms with almost everyone — Keith Ellis

on a first-name basis with scores of the neighborhood children — Lamp

* * *

adj. /ferrst"naym'/; v. /ferrst"naym"/, adj., v., first-named, first-naming. adj.

1. of or pertaining to one's first, or given, name; familiar; intimate: They were on a first-name basis soon after meeting.

v.t.

2. to address (someone) by his or her first name, esp. as a sign of informality or familiarity: The boss doesn't like the employees to first-name her.

* * *

first name,

a person's given name: »

Her first name is Mary Anne; her last name is Stone.

first-name «FURST NAYM», verb, -named, -nam|ing, adjective.

–v.t.

to address (someone) by his first or given name: »

Guards appeared, were first-named by their employer, and waved us through (New Yorker).

–adj.

allowing a person to be addressed by his first name; familiar or informal: »

Few of the convicts were on a first-name basis with the guards (Maclean's). Artists and audience are on first-name terms within hours (Time).

* * *

first-name adj

• • •

Main Entry: ↑first name