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It is not only important, but, in a degree necessary, that the people of this country, should have an American Dictionary of the English language; for, although the body of the language is the same as in England, and it is desirable to perpetuate that sameness, yet some differences must exist. Language is the expression of ideas; and if the people of one country cannot preserve an identity of ideas, they cannot retain an identity of language. |
PREF'ACE, n. [L. proefatio; proe, before, and for, fari, fatus, to speak.] Something spoken as introductory to a discourse, or written as introductory to a book or essay, intended to inform the hearer or reader of the main design, or in general, of whatever is necessary to the understanding of the discourse, book or essay; a poem; an introduction or series of preliminary remarks.
PREF'ACE, v.t. To introduce by preliminary remarks; as, to preface a book or discourse. The advocate prefaced his argument with a history of the case.
PREF'ACE, v.i. To say something introductory.
Something spoken as introductory to a
discourse, or written as introductory to a book or essay; a proem; an
introduction, or series of preliminary remarks.
This superficial tale Heaven's high behest no preface needs. Milton. 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. Syn. -- Introduction] preliminary; preamble; proem; prelude; prologue. To introduce by a preface] to give a preface
to; as, to preface a book discourse.
To make a
preface.
Jer. Taylor. | ||||||||