incipit
Americannoun
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the introductory words or opening phrases in the text of a medieval manuscript or an early printed book.
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Music. the first words of a chanted liturgical text, as that of a Gregorian chant or certain medieval motets.
Etymology
Origin of incipit
1895–1900; < Latin: (here) begins, 3rd-person singular present of incipere
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
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)
Vix ea fatus erat; per nubes ales apertas Devolat ætherio demissus ab axe satelles, Alloquiturq. virum, placidoq. hæc incipit ore: Macte novâ, Isacide, virtute; opus excipe magnum; Afflatuq.
From Gustavus Vasa and other poems by Walker, William Sidney
Fol. 4a: Aeneæ siluii de duobus amantibus hystoria perquam iocunde incipit!
From Catalogue of the William Loring Andrews Collection of Early Books in the Library of Yale University by Van Name, Addison
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
