Pref"ace (?; 48), n. [F.
préface; 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.
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.
Pref"ace, v. i. To make a
preface. Jer. Taylor.
