epigraph

[ ep-i-graf, -grahf ]

noun

1. an inscription, especially on a building, statue, or the like.
2. an apposite quotation at the beginning of a book, chapter, etc.

epigraph

/ ˈɛpɪˌɡrɑːf; -ˌɡræf; ˌɛpɪˈɡræfɪk /

noun

1. a quotation at the beginning of a book, chapter, etc, suggesting its theme
2. an inscription on a monument or building

Derived Forms

• ˌepiˈgraphically, adverb
• epigraphic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of epigraph¹

First recorded in 1615–25, epigraph is from the Greek word epigraphḗ inscription. See epi-, -graph

Word History and Origins

Origin of epigraph¹

C17: from Greek epigraphē; see epigram

Example Sentences

Richie Havens, 72 Who opened Woodstock, and thus became the epigraph to the ultimate document of the 1960s?

From The Daily Beast

The author quotes Shelby Foote for the epigraph: “Southerners are very strange about that war.”

From The Daily Beast

But the presidential narrator—and perhaps Giscard himself—reply in the epigraph: “Promise kept.”

From The Daily Beast

The verse you chose as an epigraph is altogether beneath criticism.

From Project Gutenberg

It bears this Epigraph, "Ecce Ego admirationem faciam populo huic, miraculo grandi et stupendo."

From Project Gutenberg

Fortunately they possessed Dumouchel's work on mnemonics, a duodecimo in boards with this epigraph: "To instruct while amusing."

From Project Gutenberg

When there is no epigraph upon which to depend the most skilful archæologist may here make mistakes.

From Project Gutenberg

A fact that is of botanic interest is to be met with here in the epigraph below the organ to Francesco Calceolari.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• elegy
• eulogy