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
On fol. iiii. the "Prologus Jacobi Locher ... incipit," followed by its translation into English.
From The Ship of Fools, Volume 1 by Barclay, Alexander
Perhaps this was not true; one must overlook the aphorisms of a man who had grown old in self-sacrifice and self-abnegation, and who was wont to say: Charitas incipit a me.
From The Patriot Piccolo Mondo Antico by Fogazzaro, Antonio
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
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.
