Preface, pref′ās, n. something usually of an explanatory kind, spoken before: the introduction to a book, &c.: the ascription of glory, &c., in the liturgy of consecration of the eucharist: a title or epithet.—v.t. to introduce with a preface.—adj. Prefatō′rial, serving as a preface or introduction.—adv. Pref′atorily.—adj. Pref′atory, pertaining to a preface: serving as an introduction: introductory. [Fr. préface—L. præfatio—præ, before, fāri, fatus, to speak.]
Prefect, prē′fekt, n. one placed in authority over others: a commander: the administrative head of a modern French department.—ns. Prē′fectship, his office or jurisdiction; Prē′fecture, the office or district of a prefect: the house occupied by a prefect. [Fr. préfet—L. præfectus, pa.p. of præficĕre—præ, over, facĕre, to make.]
Prefer, prē-fėr′, v.t. to esteem above another: to regard or hold in higher estimation: to choose or select before others: to promote: to exalt: to offer or present, as a request: to bring forward for consideration: to place in advance:—pr.p. prefer′ring; pa.t. and pa.p. preferred′.—ns. Preferabil′ity, Pref′erableness.—adj. Pref′erable, worthy to be preferred or chosen: more desirable or excellent: of better quality.—adv. Pref′erably, by choice: in preference.—n. Pref′erence, the act of preferring: estimation above another: the state of being preferred: that which is preferred: choice.—adj. Preferential (pref-ėr-en′shal), having a preference.—adv. Preferen′tially.—ns. Prefer′ment, the act of preferring: the state of being preferred or advanced: advancement to a higher position: promotion: superior place, esp. in the church; Prefer′rer, one who prefers.—Preference shares, or stock, shares or stock on which the dividends must be paid before those on other kinds. [Fr. préférer—L. præferre—præ, before, ferre, to bear.]
Prefigure, prē-fig′ūr, v.t. to represent beforehand: to suggest by former types or figures.—ns. Prefigurā′tion, Prefig′urement.—adj. Prefig′urātive, showing by previous figures, types, or similitudes.
Prefix, prē-fiks′, v.t. to put before, or at the beginning: to fix beforehand.—ns. Prē′fix, a letter, syllable, or word put before another word to affect its meaning; Prefix′ion, act of prefixing.
Preform, prē-form′, v.t. (Shak.) to form beforehand: to determine the shape of beforehand.—n. Preformā′tion.—adj. Prefor′mative.
Prefrontal, prē-fron′tal, adj. pertaining to the forepart of the forehead.—n. a bone of this region.
Prefulgency, prē-ful′jen-si, n. superior brightness.
Preglacial, prē-glā′shal, adj. (geol.) prior to the glacial or drift period.
Pregnable, preg′na-bl, adj. that may be taken by assault or force. [Fr. prenable—prendre, to take—L. prehendĕre.]