v. i. To make a preface. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t.
n. [ F. préface; cf. Sp. prefacio, prefacion, It. prefazio, prefazione; all fr. L. praefatio, fr. praefari to speak or say beforehand; prae before + fari, fatus, to speak. See Fate. ]
This superficial tale
Is but a preface of her worthy praise. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
Heaven's high behest no preface needs. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
Proper preface (Ch. of Eng. & Prot. Epis. Ch.),
n. The writer of a preface. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Prefatory. [ 1913 Webster ]
adv. In a prefatory manner; by way of preface. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Pertaining to, or of the nature of, a preface; introductory to a book, essay, or discourse;
That prefatory addition to the Creed. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ L. praefectus, fr. praefectus, p. p. of praeficere to set over; prae before + facere to make: cf. F. préfet. ]
Apostolic prefect (R. C. Ch.),
a. Of or pertaining to a prefect. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. The office or jurisdiction of a prefect. [ 1913 Webster ]