forepiece en · NOUN
Etymology
From fore- + piece.
Meanings
- The front or forward-facing piece of an object, especially of a cap
-
Any introductory or beginning segment of an event or work, such as a play
Such forepieces included comedies and tragedies and were often intended to provide an element of 'moral improvement' for the often rowdy and ill-educated audiences the pantomime attracted in the late 18th century.
1993, David Pickering, John Morley, Encyclopedia of pantomime:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| fore piece | alternative | lexicographic | |
| fore-piece | alternative | lexicographic | |
| forepieces | Number=Plur | lexicographic |