preface

Meanings

Noun

• The beginning or introductory portion that comes before the main text of a document or book.
• An introduction, or series of preliminary remarks.
• The prelude or introduction to the canon of the Mass.
• A title or epithet.

Verb

• To introduce or make a comment before (the main point).
• To give a preface to.

Origin

• Late 14th century, from Middle English preface, prefas, from Old French preface (from which derives the modern French préface), from Medieval Latin prefātia, for classical Latin praefātiō ("a saying beforehand"), from praefor, from prae- + for.