epigraph

• Nom désignant une courte citation ou maxime placée en tête d'un livre, d'un chapitre ou d'un autre écrit, ou une inscription gravée sur un bâtiment, un monument ou une pièce de monnaie.

A noun referring to a short quotation or saying at the beginning of a book, chapter, or other piece of writing, or an inscription engraved on a building, monument, or coin.

1. Quotation at the startC1formal

   A short quotation or saying at the beginning of a book, chapter, or other piece of writing, intended to suggest its theme.

   Épigraphe (citation en tête d'ouvrage)

   • The novel began with an epigraph from Shakespeare.
   • She chose a famous poem as the epigraph for her essay.
   • The epigraph set the tone for the entire chapter.

   Synonymesmotto

2. Engraved inscriptionC1formal

   An inscription, especially on a building, statue, or coin.

   Épigraphe (inscription gravée)

   • The epigraph on the monument was barely legible.
   • Ancient coins often bear an epigraph identifying the ruler.
   • The museum displayed a stone slab with a Latin epigraph.

   Synonymesengravinginscriptionlegend