† preˈfation Obs.
Also 4–6 prefacion.
[ad. L. præfātiōn-em a saying beforehand, introductory address, preface, in med.L. also = preface n. 1; n. of action f. præfārī, f. præ before, pre- A. 1 + fārī to speak. Cf. obs. F. prefacion (14th c. in Godef.).]
Speaking before; prefacing.
| 1382 Wyclif 2 Macc. ii. 33 Be it ynewȝ for to haue saide so myche of prefacioun [gloss or byfore spekyng]. 1529 More Dyaloge i. Wks. 119/2 This protestacion and prefacion made, he said that..it were well done, to do vnto saintes or their ymages dispite or dishonour. c 1581 in Cath. Tractates (S.T.S.) 252 Ye confes this your selfes in the prefatione of our new Byble. 1652 Gaule Magastrom. 90 Shall we attend to the præfation of irrationals and inanimate? |