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/prˈɛfəs/ Listen

noun

Preface n.

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." "Heaven's high behest no preface needs."

(R. C. Ch.) The prelude or introduction to the canon of the Mass.

Proper preface (Ch. of Eng. & Prot. Epis. Ch.), a portion of the communion service, preceding the prayer of consecration, appointed for certain seasons.

Synonyms: Introduction; preliminary; preamble; proem; prelude; prologue.

verb

Preface v. t. (past & past part. prefaced; pres. part. prefacing) To introduce by a preface; to give a preface to; as, to preface a book discourse.

Preface v. i. To make a preface.

See images of 'Preface'

Etymology of 'Preface'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Preface" Quotes from Famous Books

... mentioned—too frequently by far, to my infinite vexation at the time, and now to my deep and ineradicable regret. The sonnet-book out of which arose much of the correspondence printed in this chapter, contains in its preface and notes hardly an allusion to him, and yet he was, in my judgment, out of all reach and sight, the greatest sonnet-writer of his time. The sonnet first sent was Pride of Youth, but as this formed part of The House of Life series, it was withdrawn, ...

— Recollections of Dante Gabriel Rossetti - 1883 • T. Hall Caine

... the pirated editions are incomplete in that they omit the Preface and seven additional chapters which were first published in the London edition of 1891. In other cases certain passages have been mutilated, and faulty spellings ...

— The Picture of Dorian Gray • Oscar Wilde

... I remember, was the "Dialogues of Hylas and Philonous upon the Reality and Perfection of Human Understanding," and before Jerry had been long gone from the house I was completely absorbed in what Fraser in his preface calls "the gem of British metaphysical literature." But had I known what was to happen to Jerry on that sunny afternoon, or conceived of the dialogue in which he was to take a part, I should have regretted the intellectual attraction of Berkeley's fine volume which had ...

— Paradise Garden - The Satirical Narrative of a Great Experiment • George Gibbs

... what I replied, but I am sure I did not speak pleasantly. I was out of humor with the whole world, and particularly with her. She brought a little chair that was near by, and sat down by me. She was a very straightforward person about speaking, and so she said, without any preface: ...

— John Gayther's Garden and the Stories Told Therein • Frank R. Stockton

... exceptionally well-written book by this prolific author. It is full of interest and strong situations. The date of the events is supposed to be early in the eighteenth century, and of course all matters nautical are under sail (or oars). That date is stated in the Preface. ...

— The Missing Ship - The Log of the "Ouzel" Galley • W. H. G. Kingston

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