Definition of "first-rate" in English

Adjective

1. Of a Royal Navy ship of the line in the Napoleonic Era: having at least 100 guns across three gun decks, a complement of 850–875, and weighing approximately 2,500 tons burthen.

2. Superb, exceptional; of the best sort; very high quality.

Noun

1. A first-rate ship of the line.