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frontispiece

noun fron·tis·piece \ ˈfrən-tə-ˌspēs \

Definition of frontispiece

1 a :the principal front of a building

b :a decorated pediment over a portico or window

2 :an illustration preceding and usually facing the title page of a book or magazine

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Recent Examples of frontispiece from the Web

Thror’s Map, which Tolkien himself drew and which his characters use as a guide to get into the Mountain, may look like the map of Treasure Island that Robert Louis Stevenson included as a frontispiece in his 1883 novel.

— adrian daub, Longreads, "Here at the End of All Things," 24 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'frontispiece.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of frontispiece

Middle French frontispice, from Late Latin frontispicium facade, from Latin front-, frons + -i- + specere to look at — more at spy

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1598

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FRONTISPIECE Defined for English Language Learners

frontispiece

noun

Definition of frontispiece for English Language Learners

: a picture in the front of a book

Learn More about frontispiece

See words that rhyme with frontispiece Spanish Central: Translation of frontispiece Nglish: Translation of frontispiece for Spanish speakers

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