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| pref·ace [ préffəss ] |
noun (plural pref·ac·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1. introductory part of text: an introductory section at the beginning of a book or speech that comments on aspects of the text such as the writer's intentions
  in the preface to the second edition
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2. preliminary action: an action or event that precedes something more important
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3. christianity prayer during Mass: a prayer said by a priest during Mass, especially the prayer that begins "Lift up your hearts"
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4. christianity prayer for particular purpose: in the Roman Catholic Church, a prayer used for a particular purpose
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transitive verb (past and past participle pref·aced, present participle pref·ac·ing, 3rd person present singular pref·ac·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1. introduce something with preface: to introduce an action, speech, or piece of writing with something
He prefaced his remarks with an apology.
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2. serve as introduction to something: to act as a preface to an action, speech, or piece of writing
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| [14th century. Via French< medieval Latin praefatia< Latin praefat-, past participle of praefari "say before" < fari "speak"] |
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| pref·ac·er noun |
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