incipit

[ in-si-pit; Latin ing-ki-pit ]

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.

incipit

/ ˈɪnkɪpɪt /

(no translation)

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of incipit¹

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

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

She got up early the next morning, and wrote in her diary, "Incipit vita nova!"

From Project Gutenberg

Inprimis incipit a loco ubi Gernesheim marcha adjungitur ad Hephenheim marcham,' &c.

From Project Gutenberg

Incipit libellus de ludo Scaccorum, et de dictis factisque nobilium virorum, philosophorum et antiquorum.

From Project Gutenberg

Apicii Celii epimeles Incipit liber primus conditum paradoxum.

From Project Gutenberg