PREEXISTENT
Pre`ëx*ist"ent, a.
Defn: Existing previously; preceding existence; as, a preëxistent state. Pope.
PREEXISTENTISM
Pre`ëx*ist"ent*ism, n. (Philos.)
Defn: The theory of a preëxistence of souls before their association with human bodies. Emerson.
PREEXISTIMATION
Pre`ëx*is`ti*ma"tion, n.
Defn: Previous esteem or estimation. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.
PREEXPECTATION
Pre*ëx`pec*ta"tion, n.
Defn: Previous expectation.
PREFACE
Pref"ace (; 48), n. Etym: [F. préface; cf. Sp. prefacio, prefacion,
It. prefazio, prefazione; all fr. L. praefatio, fr. praefari to speak
or say beforehand; prae before + fari, fatus, to speak. See Fate.]
1. 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 Is but a preface of her worthy praise. Shak. Heaven's high behest no preface needs. Milton.