PREFACE

foreword, preface, prolusion

(noun) a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book

precede, preface, premise, introduce

(verb) furnish with a preface or introduction; “She always precedes her lectures with a joke”; “He prefaced his lecture with a critical remark about the institution”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

preface (plural prefaces)

The beginning or introductory portion that comes before the main text of a document or book.

Synonyms: forespeech, foretalk, foreword, introduction, proem, prologue, Thesaurus:foreword

An introduction, or series of preliminary remarks.

(Roman Catholic) The prelude or introduction to the canon of the Mass.

Synonym: prelude

A title or epithet.

Verb

preface (third-person singular simple present prefaces, present participle prefacing, simple past and past participle prefaced)

(transitive) To introduce or make a comment before (the main point).

(transitive) To give a preface to.

Noun

Preface (plural Prefaces)

The part of the liturgy that precedes the main part of the Eucharist

Source: Wiktionary

Pref"ace (; 48), n. Etym: [F. préface; cf. Sp. prefacio, prefacion, It. prefazio, prefazione; all fr. L. praefatio, fr. praefari to speak or say beforehand; prae before + fari, fatus, to speak. See Fate.]

1. Something spoken as introductory to a discourse, or written as introductory to a book or essay; a proem; an introduction, or series of preliminary remarks. This superficial tale Is but a preface of her worthy praise. Shak. Heaven's high behest no preface needs. Milton.

2. (R. C. Ch.)

Definition: The prelude or introduction to the canon of the Mass. Addis & Arnold. Proper preface (Ch. of Eng. & Prot. Epis. Ch.), a portion of the communion service, preceding the prayer of consecration, appointed for certain seasons.

Syn.

– Introduction; preliminary; preamble; proem; prelude; prologue.

Pref"ace, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prefaced; p. pr. & vb. n. Prefacing.]

Definition: To introduce by a preface; to give a preface to; as, to preface a book discourse.

Pref"ace, v. i.

Definition: To make a preface. Jer. Taylor.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition