— prefacer , n.
/pref"is/ , n. , v. , prefaced, prefacing .
n.
1. a preliminary statement in a book by the book's author or editor, setting forth its purpose and scope, expressing acknowledgment of assistance from others, etc.
2. an introductory part, as of a speech.
3. something preliminary or introductory: The meeting was the preface to an alliance.
4. Eccles. a prayer of thanksgiving, the introduction to the canon of the Mass, ending with the Sanctus.
v.t.
5. to provide with or introduce by a preface.
6. to serve as a preface to.
[ 1350-1400; ME prefatia, for L praefatio a saying beforehand, equiv. to praefat ( us ) (ptp. of praefari to say beforehand; see PRE-, FATE) + -ion- -ION ]
Syn. 1. See introduction. 2, 3. preamble, prologue, prolegomena.
Ant. 1. appendix. 2, 3 . epilogue.