incipit

noun

in·​ci·​pit ˈin(t)-sə-pət  ˈiŋ-kə-ˌpit 

in-ˈsi-pət,

-ˈki-

: the first part : beginning

specifically : the opening words of a text of a medieval manuscript or early printed book

Examples of incipit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There is an ineluctable emotional stamp on the incipit of just about all of Brahms’ mature chamber works — the opening seconds set an affective tone that can last the entire piece. —Lukas Schulze, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Latin, it begins, from incipere

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above