incipit

American  

[in-si-pit, ing-ki-pit] / ˈɪn sɪ pɪt, ˈɪŋ kɪ pɪt /

noun

1. the introductory words or opening phrases in the text of a medieval manuscript or an early printed book.

2. Music. the first words of a chanted liturgical text, as that of a Gregorian chant or certain medieval motets.

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incipit British  

/ ˈɪnkɪpɪt /

1. here begins: used as an introductory word at the beginning of some medieval manuscripts

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Etymology

Origin of incipit

1895–1900; < Latin: (here) begins, 3rd-person singular present of incipere

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

incipit

Next to the name of the weaver’s apprentice were three ominous words: “Hic incipit pestis.”

From Slate ● Mar. 10, 2020

The impressive piece, ready to be installed at Newcastle upon Tyne's Castle Keep, is a modern tribute to the incipit of St John's Gospel in principio erat Verbum - "in the beginning was the Word."

From BBC ● Aug. 7, 2013

I am read by journalists, by my fellow-novelists, and by boys; with these, incipit et explicit my vogue.

From The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 25 (of 25) by Andrew Lang

On fol. iiii. the "Prologus Jacobi Locher ... incipit," followed by its translation into English.

From The Ship of Fools, Volume 1 by Alexander Barclay

My dear Brother, While you are persecuted by Lords Arran, Aldborough, Altamnt, and omne quod incipit in A, I have had daily application from Lord Clermont, which I have promised to submit formally to you.

From Memoirs of the Courts and Cabinets of George the Third From the Original Family Documents, Volume 1 by Buckingham and Chandos, Richard Plantagenet Temple Nugent Brydges Chandos Grenville, Duke of

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