A.early-born, [ἄρνες], opp. μέτασσαι, Od.9.221, cf. Hermesian. 7.74, SIG1038.9 (Eleusis, iv/iii B.C.); first-born, IG 2.1301 (dub.).
II. forefather, ancestor, Pi.O.6.59; “πατρός σου π. πατήρ” E.Ion 267, cf. Hel.15, Pl. Euthphr.11b: freq. in pl., Pi.P.9.105, A.Pers.405, Hdt.7.150, etc.; “οἱ ἄνωθεν π.” Pl.Mx.236e; “οἱ πάλαι π.” Id.Ep.359d; “ἐκ προγόνων” Id.Tht.173d; also of gods or heroes who are the authors or founders of a race, A.Fr.273, Hdt.4.127, Pl.Smp.186e, Isoc.9.14, etc.; “Ζεῦ πρόγονε” E.Or.1242; “θεοὶ π.” Pl.Euthd.302d: also as fem., “π. γυνή” A.Supp.533 (lyr.), cf. 43(lyr.): metaph., οἱ π. the fathers or founders of a school, Luc.Herm.15; “τὸν π. τῆς ἐμαυτοῦ σοφίας” Philostr.VA8.7; ἰὼ πόνοι π. πόνων troubles parents of troubles, S.Aj.1197(lyr.).
III. child by a former marriage, step-son, E.Ion1329, D.H.Isoc.18, Mon.Anc.Gr. 16.9, Luc.Cal.26, Supp.Epigr.6.667 (Attalia), PFay.48.3(i A.D.), etc.: fem., step-daughter, Stratt.79, Is.12.5, Hyp.Fr.10, D.S.4.43, Plu.Pomp.9; rarely προγόνη (q.v.): irreg. Sup. προγονέστατος eldest step-son, dub. in TAM2(1).246.18(Sidyma).