first-degree

• in the first degree, 1st degree

first-degree (not comparable)

1. At the first level of some system, particularly:
   1. (law) The most severe level of felony, typically involving planning or other aggravating factors.

      The jury found her guilty of 6 counts of first-degree murder, one for each of the victims of her rampage.

   2. (of burns) The least severe damage from a burn, typically involving only damage to the outer layer of skin.

• (law): in cold blood

• second-degree, third-degree, fourth-degree

• (first rank): first water