preceding all others in spatial position; "the foremost compartment of the ship"
The foremost thing or person in a group is the most important or best. He was one of the world's foremost scholars of ancient Indian culture
preceding all others in spatial position; "the foremost compartment of the ship" situated closest to the bow; "the foremost compartment of the ship" prominently forward; "he put his best foot foremost
emphasis You use first and foremost to emphasize the most important quality of something or someone. It is first and foremost a trade agreement