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preface
7 dictionary results for: preface
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
pref·ace       [pref-is] Pronunciation Key noun, verb, -aced, -ac·ing.
–noun
1.a preliminary statement in a book by the book's author or editor, setting forth its purpose and scope, expressing acknowledgment of assistance from others, etc.
2.an introductory part, as of a speech.
3.something preliminary or introductory: The meeting was the preface to an alliance.
4.Ecclesiastical. a prayer of thanksgiving, the introduction to the canon of the Mass, ending with the Sanctus.
–verb (used with object)
5.to provide with or introduce by a preface.
6.to serve as a preface to.
[Origin: 1350–1400; ME < MF < ML préfātia, for L praefātiō a saying beforehand, equiv. to praefāt(us) (ptp. of praefārī to say beforehand; see pre-, fate) + -iōn- -ion]

—Related forms
pref·ac·er, noun

—Synonyms 1. See introduction. 2, 3. preamble, prologue, prolegomena.
—Antonyms 1. appendix. 2, 3. epilogue.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
pref·ace       (prěf'ĭs)  Pronunciation Key 
n.  
    1. A preliminary statement or essay introducing a book that explains its scope, intention, or background and is usually written by the author.
    2. An introductory section, as of a speech.
  2. Something introductory; a preliminary: An informal brunch served as a preface to the three-day conference.
  3. often Preface The words introducing the central part of the Eucharist in several Christian churches.

tr.v.   pref·aced, pref·ac·ing, pref·ac·es
  1. To introduce by or provide with a preliminary statement or essay.
  2. To serve as an introduction to.


[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin praefātiō, praefātiōn-, from praefātus, past participle of praefārī, to say before : prae-, pre- + fārī, to speak; see bhā-2 in Indo-European roots.]

pref'ac·er n.
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
preface  (n.)
c.1386, from O.Fr. preface (14c.), from M.L. prefatia, from L. præfatio "fore-speaking, introduction, prologue," from præfatus, pp. of præfari "to say beforehand," from præ- "before" + fari "speak" (see fame). The verb is 1616, from the noun.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This
preface

noun
1. a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book [syn: foreword] 

verb
1. 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" [syn: precede] 

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
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Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Preface

Pref"ace\ (?; 48), n. [F. pr['e]face; 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's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Preface

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's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Preface

Pref"ace\, v. i. To make a preface. --Jer. Taylor.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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