PREFACING

Verb

prefacing

present participle of preface

Source: Wiktionary


PREFACE

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



RESET




Word of the Day

1 November 2024

DECLINE

(verb) inflect for number, gender, case, etc.; “in many languages, speakers decline nouns, pronouns, and adjectives”


coffee icon

Coffee Trivia

Some 16th-century Italian clergymen tried to ban coffee because they believed it to be “satanic.” However, Pope Clement VII loved coffee so much that he lifted the ban and had coffee baptized in 1600.

coffee icon