For some reason, I prefer this word over the modern-day “Introduction” that is so familiar to most of us.

prefatory

adjective pref·a·to·ry \ˈpre-fə-ˌtȯr-ē\

: included at the beginning of a book, speech, etc., as an introduction

Full Definition of PREFATORY

1:  of, relating to, or constituting a preface <prefatory remarks>

2:  located in front

Examples of PREFATORY

1. The speaker made some prefatory remarks.
2. Each chapter in the book has a prefatory quotation.

Origin of PREFATORY  Latin praefari

First Known Use: 1675

Related to PREFATORY

Synonyms:

beginning, introductory, precursory, preliminary, prelim, prelusive, preparative, preparatory, primary