prefacer
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pref·ace
(prĕf′ĭs)n.
1.
a. A preliminary statement or essay introducing a book that explains its scope, intention, or background and is usually written by the author.
b. An introductory section, as of a speech.
2. Something introductory; a preliminary: An informal brunch served as a preface to the three-day conference.
3. often Preface The words introducing the central part of the Eucharist in several Christian churches.
tr.v. pref·aced, pref·ac·ing, pref·ac·es
1. To introduce by or provide with a preliminary statement or essay.
2. To serve as an introduction to.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin praefātiō, praefātiōn-, from praefātus, past participle of praefārī, to say before : prae-, pre- + fārī, to speak; see bhā- in Indo-European roots.]
pref′ac·er n.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.