Pl. libretti. [It. = ‘little book,’ f. libro book.] The text or ‘words’ to which an opera or other extended musical composition is set; = BOOK sb. 8.
1742. Richardson, Pamela, IV. 113. If the Libretto, as they call it, is not approved, the Opera … will be condemned.
1845. Athenæum, 22 Feb., 204. The libretto, on the subject of Blue Beard, by Tieck.
1880. Ruskin, Arrows of Chace, II. 281. The libretto of Jean de Nivelle is very beautiful, and ought to have new music written to it.
