n. ~ The opening phrase of an early manuscript or book or of one of its sections. Notes:  An incipit often includes the title and the name of the author of the work and sometimes details of its produc [..]

opening word of a Latin book or manuscript, Latin, literally "(here) begins," third person singular present indicative of incipere "begin" (see incipient).

Latin for "here begins." The opening words or phrase of a text, or of one of its divisions, providing a clue to its content. In the absence of a title page, medieval manuscripts and incunabu [..]

The first few notes or measures with which a piece of music begins. Incipits are often given in thematic catalogs in order to positively identify a piece of music. In the case of works with multiple movements (such as symphonies and sonatas), the incipit of each movement is usually given.