Pref"ace (?; 48), n. [F. pr'eface; 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.
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.
© Webster 1913.
Pref"ace, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prefaced (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Prefacing.]
To introduce by a preface; to give a preface to; as, to preface a book discourse.
© Webster 1913.
Pref"ace, v. i.
To make a preface.
Jer. Taylor.
© Webster 1913.