praefātĭo, ōnis, f. [praefor], a saying beforehand; concr.,
I That which is said or repeated beforehand , a form of words (esp. relig. or jurid.), formula : praefatio donationis, Cic. Verr. 2, 3, 80, § 186: sacrorum, Liv. 45, 5, 4: ultionis, Val. Max. 6, 3, 1: triumphi, Plin. 7, 26, 27, § 98.—
2 A preliminary hearing , an introductory address (law t. t.), Dig. 45, 1, 134.—
II That which precedes a discourse or writing , a preface , prologue (post-Aug.): vocabula rustica aut externa cum honoris praefatione ponenda, saying , by your leave , Plin. praef. § 13: numquam tristiorem sententiam sine praefatione clementiae pronunciavit, Suet. Dom. 11: C. Cassius numquam sine praefatione publici parricidii nominandus, Val. Max. 2, 8, 8: jucundissime Imperator (sit enim haec tui praefatio verissima), qs. appellation , title , Plin. praef. § 1: nullā praefatione factā judici rem exponere, without preface , without any introduction , Dig. 1, 2, 1.—Of remarks before a recitation, designed to win the favor or avert the displeasure of hearers, a preface; also of books: praefationem dicere, Plin. Ep. 1, 13, 2; 2, 3, 1; 4, 11, 14; 4, 14, 8; Quint. 7, 1, 11; 8, 3, 31; 11, 1, 67; Mart. 3, 18, 1 al.