Main Entry: ¹pref·ace

Pronunciation: \ˈpre-fəs\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin prephatia, alteration of Latin praefation-, praefatio foreword, from praefari to say beforehand, from prae- pre- + fari to say — more at ban

Date: 14th century

1 often capitalized : a variable doxology beginning with the Sursum Corda and ending with the Sanctus in traditional eucharistic liturgies
2 : the introductory remarks of a speaker or author
3 : approach, preliminary