preface preface /ˈprɛfəs/

noun

1. () A short introductory essay preceding the text of a book  ( foreword , prolusion , preface )
   a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book
   
   

verb

1. () Furnish with a preface or introduction  ( introduce , precede , premise , preface )
   furnish with a preface or introduction
    She always precedes her lectures with a joke
   She always precedes her lectures with a joke
    He prefaced his lecture with a critical remark about the institution
   He prefaced his lecture with a critical remark about the institution