What does "preface" mean?

Preface: (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.

Additional senses

  1. 2.To introduce by a preface; to give a preface to; as, to preface a book discourse.
  2. 3.To make a preface. Jer. Taylor.

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