ˈhead-note
1. Law. A summary prefixed to the report of a decided case, stating the principle of the decision, with, latterly, an outline of the facts.
| 1855 Sir R. B. Crowder Comm. Bench Rep. XVI. 491 The head note or the side or marginal note of a report, is a thing upon which much skill and exercise of thought is required. 1885 Law Rep. 14 Q. Bench Div. 812 The facts..may be gathered from the above head-note. |
2. Mus. A note produced in the second or third register of the voice: cf. head-voice.
| 1869 in Eng. Mech. IX. No. 220. 259 The result will be the emission of a firm, clear, sharp head note. 1889 Grove's Dict. Mus. IV. 322 The peculiarity of the female voice is the possession of a large range of fine head-notes in the place of the male falsetto. |
3. A note or comment inserted at the head of the text.
| 1863 D. G. Rossetti Let. (1965) II. 472 Alteration of the last part to suit the new plan of head-notes to Part II. Ibid. 479, I am glad you like the headnote plan. 1965 Listener 17 June 905/3 A headnote to each poem. 1972 Times 4 Mar. 12/7 Since performance details for individual [crossword] puzzles are likely to interest many more readers than they may distress, it is hoped that those in the latter category will agree to turn a blind eye to head⁓notes to puzzles. |