Note 131 — THE PROLOGUE. (continued 2)

Proface. An expression of welcome equivalent to Much good may it do you! Mr. Steevens conjectured it to be from the old French expression, ‘Bon prou leur face,’ which is to be found in Cotgrave in voce Prou. This was a happy conjecture of Mr. Steevens, for Mr. Nares has pointed out its true origin in the old Norman-French or Romance language: ‘Prouface souhait qui veut dire, bien vous fasse, proficiat.’ Roquefort. Glossaire de la Langue Romane.