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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.

The writer of a preface.

Destitute of ornament; unadorned; bare; literal. In the preface to his own bald translation. Dryden.

Death and Sin, In counterview. Milton M. Peisse has ably advocated the counterview in his preface and appendixx. Sir W. Hamilton.

subject; the opening part of an oration. "The exordium of repentance." Jer. Taylor. "Long prefaces and exordiums. " Addison.

A prediction; also, a preface. [Obs.] Camden. Huloet.

A preface. [Obs.] Sherwood.

A preface. Furnvall.

r, or undertaking; alarming. They seemed to fear the formodable sight. Dryden. I swell my preface into a volume, and make it formidable, when you see so many pages behind. Drydn.

f less value, then give' them the last tincture of crimson in grain. Quoted by Coleridge, preface to Aids to Reflection.

An introduction or introductory scene, as to a play; a preface; a prologue. [Obs.] This is but an induction: I will dMassinger.

To open to notice; to begin; to present; as, he introduced the subject with a long preface.

urse which introduces or leads the way to the main subject, or part; preliminary; matter; preface; proem; exordium.

A introductory portion; an introduction or preface, as to a book, document, etc.; specifically, the introductory part of a statute, which states the reasons and intent of the law.

To cause to be preceded; to preface; to introduce; -- used with by or with before the instrumental object. [R.] It is usual to precede hostilities by a public declaration. Kent.

In a prefatory manner; by way of preface.

Pertaining to, or of the nature of, a preface; introductory to a book, essay, or discourse; as, prefatory remarks. That prefatory addition to the Creed. Dryden.

Preface; introduction; preliminary observations; prelude. Thus much may serve by way of proem. Swift.

A preface. [Obs.] T. Warton.

The preface or introduction to a discourse, poem, or performance; as, the prologue of Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales;" esp., a discourse or poem spoken before a dramatic performance