I.the Greek name of the first letter of the alphabet: “hoc discunt ante alpha et beta,” before their letters, before they learn to read, Juv. 14, 209. —Hence, prov., the first in any thing (as beta was the second): “alpha paenulatorum ... beta togatorum,” Mart. 5, 26; so by character instead of name: Ego sum Α et Ω, principium et finis, Vulg. Apoc. 1, 8; 21, 6; 22, 13.
alpha , n. indecl., = ἄλφα,
A Latin Dictionary. Founded on Andrews' edition of Freund's Latin dictionary. revised, enlarged, and in great part rewritten by. Charlton T. Lewis, Ph.D. and. Charles Short, LL.D. Oxford. Clarendon Press. 1879.
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