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.),
v. t.
v. i. To make a preface. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. The writer of a preface. [ 1913 Webster ]