Meaning bring to an end, finish is from c.1400; intransitive sense come to an end is from 1826. Of stock prices, from 1860. Meaning bring together the parts of (a book, etc.) is from 1560s. Related: Closed; closing.
Wife of the First President. After the war, George Washington was elected the first President of the United States. Although the title wasn't used at the time, this made Martha the first First Lady. She hosted events and started a tradition where she held public receptions every Friday.
When one thinks of the First Lady of the United States, one usually assumes that this is the wife of the president. And usually, this is the case. In fact, in the 20th century, every president had his wife with him in the White House. However, First Lady is actually the term for the First Hostess of the land, and the First Hostess is anyone who acts as the hostess for the president, most particularly when he is entertaining.