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.

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