ˈin(t)səpə̇t, ˈiŋkə-, esp in senses b & c ˈinchə- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin, it begins, 3d person singular present indicative of incipere
: beginning: as
a. : the introductory words or part of a medieval manuscript or early printed book
reproducing two incipits with superb miniatures — Raphael Levy
— compare explicit
b. : the opening words of the text in a Gregorian chant or psalm tone sung usually by the cantor
c. : the word given at the beginning of the tenor in a cantus-firmus motet that serves as a reference to the tenor's origin in the liturgy