<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>a short introductory statement in a published work, as a book, especially when written by someone other than the author.</li><li>a preliminary part, as of a speech.</li><li>something preliminary or introductory: The meeting was the preface to an alliance.</li><li>Ecclesiastical: a prayer of thanksgiving, the introduction to the canon of the Mass, ending with the Sanctus.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>to provide with or introduce by a preface.</li><li>to serve as a preface to.</li></ul>