frontispiece — English Dictionary

Noun

1. An illustration that is on the page before the title page of a book, a section of one, or a magazine.

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   The viaduct was illustrated as a frontispiece to THE RAILWAY MAGAZINE of September, 1938. [In this case, the frontispiece is between the title page and the first article.]

2. The title page of a book.

   Usage

   • Archaic

3. A façade, especially an ornamental one.

4. A small ornamental pediment, especially at the top of a window or door.

5. A person's face.

   Usage

   • Archaic
   • Humorous
   • Slang

   Examples

   He carries on his frontispiece the indubitable marks of a money-dealer. His is one of those peculiar faces […]

Verb

1. To supply with a frontispiece.

   Usage

   • Rare
   • Transitive

   Examples

   The novel was frontispieced with a portrait of the author.

Noun

1. an ornamental facade

   Broader terms

   facadefrontagefrontal

2. front illustration facing the title page of a book

   Broader terms

   front