The earliest or first part of any space of time, of a book, a journey, etc.

The early morning; the period between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. (between prime and tierce); a point at the beginning or end of this period; the time just…

With the and the person or thing denoted identified contextually. The first part or beginning of something (esp. a period of time or season (now U.S.…

The first part; the beginning. rare.

Springtime, spring. Also figurative: the beginning or ‘springtime’ of life, an age, etc.

A period comparable to spring, esp. in being fresh, new, or full of vigour; the first stage or period of something. Chiefly with of.

figurative. The beginning or early part of something.

figurative. The forefront; the early part.

Initial stages; inexperience; period of initiation. Now rare.

Of time: The beginning, early part. Now dialect; chiefly = spring, n.1 16.

The ‘spring-time’ of something. Obsolete.