[in-si-pit; Lat. ing-ki-pit] 
| 1. | the introductory words or opening phrases in the text of a medieval manuscript or an early printed book. |
| 2. | Music. the first words of a chanted liturgical text, as that of a Gregorian chant or certain medieval motets. |
| in·ci·pit (ĭn'sĭ-pĭt', ĭng'kĭ-) n. The beginning or opening words of the text of a medieval manuscript or early printed book. [From Latin, third person sing. present tense of incipere, to begin; see inception.] |
incipit
the opening word or words of a medieval Western manuscript or early printed book. In the absence of a title page, the text may be recognized, referred to, and recorded by its incipit. As in the title pages or main divisions of later printed books, incipits provide an occasion for display letters and a fanfare of calligraphic ornament.
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