\Pref"ace\ (?; 48), n. [F. pr['e]face; 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}.]
1. Something spoken as introductory to a discourse, or
   written as introductory to a book or essay; a proem; an
   introduction, or series of preliminary remarks.
         This superficial tale Is but a preface of her worthy
         praise.                               --Shak.
         Heaven's high behest no preface needs. --Milton.
2. (R. C. Ch.) The prelude or introduction to the canon of
   the Mass. --Addis & Arnold.
{Proper preface} (Ch. of Eng. & Prot. Epis. Ch.), a portion
   of the communion service, preceding the prayer of
   consecration, appointed for certain seasons.
Syn: Introduction; preliminary; preamble; proem; prelude;
     prologue.

\Pref"ace\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Prefaced}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Prefacing}.]
To introduce by a preface; to give a preface to; as, to
preface a book discourse.

\Pref"ace\, v. i.
To make a preface. --Jer. Taylor.