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

Example Sentences

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

Let the reader who deems me overparticular remember this caution of Martial:— "Quem recitas, meus est, O Fidentine, libellus; Sed male cum recitas, incipit esse tuus."

From The Biglow Papers by Hughes, Thomas

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 Lang, Andrew

Qui non tum denique incipit lex esse, cum scripta est, sed tum cum orta est.

From Principles Of Political Economy by Lalor, John J. (John Joseph)