Frontispiece

Origin

From Middle French frontispice, from Latin frontispicium, from frons (forehead) + specere (look at). Spelling altered due to folk etymology influenced by piece.

Full definition of frontispiece

Noun

1. (publishing) An illustration that is on the page before the title page of a book, a section of one, or a magazine.
2. (archaic, publishing) The title page of a book.
3. (architecture) A façade, especially an ornamental one.
4. (architecture) A small pediment of which is ornamental, especially on the top of a window or door.