The beginning or introductory portion that comes before the main text of a document or book.
An introduction, or series of preliminary remarks.
A title or epithet.
The prelude or introduction to the canon of the Mass.
To give a preface to.
To introduce or make a comment before (the main point).
The preliminary front matter of a book, i.e. all content preceding the main text or work itself.
Preliminary examinations taken as a whole, as sat by an individual or year group.