[f. FORE- pref. + PIECE.] The foremost, first, or front piece: a. gen. b. Theatr. A ‘curtain-raiser.’ c. Saddlery (see quot. 1874).
1788. M. Cutler, in Life, Jrnls. & Corr. (1888), I. 401. Broke the forepiece of my sulky, which detained us.
1814. Monthly Mag., XXXVII. 1 May, 333/1. Tragedies of the last age, full of tedious love-scenes, could be shortened into permanent fore-pieces; and thus all that is really of value in a play, formerly successful, could be preserved for posterity.
1874. Knight, Dict. Mech., I. 905/1. Fore-piece. (Saddlery.) The flap attached to the fore-part of a side saddle, to guard the rider’s dress.
