\Erst\ ([~e]rst), adv. [Orig. superlative of ere; AS.
[=ae]rest. See {Ere}.] [Archaic]
1. First. --Chaucer.
2. Previously; before; formerly; heretofore. --Chaucer.
         Tityrus, with whose style he had erst disclaimed all
         ambition to match his pastoral pipe.  --A. W. Ward.
{At erst}, at first; at the beginning.
{Now at erst}, at this present time. --Chaucer.