præface

Noun

preface (plural prefaces)

1. A beginning or introductory portion that comes before the main text of a document or book, typically serving to contextualize or explain the writing of the book and sometimes to acknowledge others' contributions; especially, such a discussion written by the work's own author.
   • Holonyms: front matter, prelims
2. An introduction, or series of preliminary remarks.
   • This superficial tale / Is but a preface of her worthy praise.1591 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The First Part of Henry the Sixt”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward]...
3. A variable prayer forming the prelude or introduction to the Eucharistic Prayer or canon of the Mass, following the Sursum corda dialogue and leading into the Sanctus.
   • Meronyms: protocol, embolism, eschatocol
4. A title or epithet.
   • […] a black-tie dinner to celebrate on the eve of the ceremony which would remove the preface "Sir" from his name and replace it with the preface "Lord," thought by some to be one of the most potent words in the English language.2008, W. Bruce Kippen, Lords of the Frontier

See all 6 meanings of preface