1. Dep. 2. to make a beginning , especially in sacrifice, τρίχας ἀπάρχεσθαι to begin the sacrifice with the hair, i. e. by cutting off the hair from the forehead and throwing it into the fire, (Iliad by Homer): to begin the sacrificial rites, (Odyssey by Homer) 3. with genitive to cut off part of a thing, to offer it, to offer part of a thing, (Herdotus Historicus) 4. to offer the firstlings or first-fruits , (Herdotus Historicus) 5. metaphorically to take as the first-fruits, as the choice or best , (Theocritus Poeta Bucolicus) 6. ἀπάρχω Act., to be the first, be leader, dance , [ variant dates Anthology Palantina (ML)