I. ˈfrəntə̇ˌspēs sometimes -rän- noun
( -s )
Etymology: alteration (influenced by piece ) of earlier frontispice, from Middle French, from Late Latin frontispicium front of a building, literally, view of the front, from Latin front-, frons forehead, brow, front + -i- + -spicium (from specere to look, look at) — more at front , spy
1.
a. : the principal front of a building ; especially : the entryway of a building when decoratively treated
b. : an ornamental or decorated pediment (as over a portico or window) ; also : a sculptured panel (as of a door)
2.
a. obsolete : title page
b. archaic : an ornamental figure or illustration on the first page of a book or pamphlet ; also : the page itself
c. : an illustration preceding and usually facing the title page of a book or magazine or of a major section of a book ; also : the page itself
3. : an architectural drawing in which details are assembled and presented in an attractive way
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to supply with, show on, or act as a frontispiece