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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

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.
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This superficial tale
Is but a preface of her worthy praise. --Shak.
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Heaven's high behest no preface needs. --Milton.
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2. (R. C. Ch.) The prelude or introduction to the canon of
the Mass. --Addis & Arnold.
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{Proper preface} (Ch. of Eng. & Prot. Epis. Ch.), a portion
of the communion service, preceding the prayer of
consecration, appointed for certain seasons.
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Syn: Introduction; preliminary; preamble; proem; prelude;
prologue.
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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.
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Preface \Pref"ace\, v. i.
To make a preface. --Jer. Taylor.
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