At the very beginning; when something is entirely new.
A close, longtime friend, one who has been around since the beginning.
The very beginning.
At a time before expected; sooner than usual.
Soon; in good time; seasonably.
Near the start or beginning.
Near the start of the day.
Having begun to occur; in its early stages.
At a time in advance of the usual or expected event.
Arriving a time before expected; sooner than on time.
Of a star or class of stars, hotter than the sun.
A shift (scheduled work period) that takes place early in the day.