headnote
noun
head·note ˈhed-ˌnōt 
1
: a prefixed note of comment or explanation
2
: a note prefixed to the report of a decided legal case
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Brassica stems and the ends of green beans may not be great fits for broth, flavor-wise, but plenty of other veggies work; read the headnote of this recipe for a good starting list. 
Washington Post, 20 Apr. 2022 Kamman attaches no expository headnote to this preparation, no illuminating anecdote that explains the tart’s significance to readers. Mayukh Sen, The New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2021 Recipe headnotes offer a snapshot of the women behind the book. Sarah Henry, Washington Post, 27 June 2019 The headnotes all contain multiple shortcuts and ingredient substitutions, and yet the recipes have a real sense of place. SFChronicle.com, 21 June 2019 Ingredients Ice 1 1/2 ounces white Pineau des Charentes (see headnote)1 ounce tonic waterTwist of grapefruit peel, for garnish1 sprig fresh thyme, for garnishStepsFill a wine glass with ice. Sonia Rao, chicagotribune.com, 29 June 2018 One large bunch turnips with greens attached (about 4 turnips; see headnote)Kosher salt3 tablespoons unsalted butter1/4 cup heavy creamSeparate the turnips from their greens. Rinse the greens well, then coarsely chop them. Julia Turshen, sacbee, 20 Feb. 2018 Drain; once the spinach is cool enough to handle, use your hands to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Really squeeze (see the headnote). Domenica Marchetti, chicagotribune.com, 26 Dec. 2017 Split one vanilla bean open with a knife, then use the knife to scrape the seeds directly into the pan (may substitute 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste; see headnote). M. Carrie Allan, charlotteobserver, 22 Dec. 2017 See More
Washington Post, 20 Apr. 2022 Kamman attaches no expository headnote to this preparation, no illuminating anecdote that explains the tart’s significance to readers. Mayukh Sen, The New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2021 Recipe headnotes offer a snapshot of the women behind the book. Sarah Henry, Washington Post, 27 June 2019 The headnotes all contain multiple shortcuts and ingredient substitutions, and yet the recipes have a real sense of place. SFChronicle.com, 21 June 2019 Ingredients Ice 1 1/2 ounces white Pineau des Charentes (see headnote)1 ounce tonic waterTwist of grapefruit peel, for garnish1 sprig fresh thyme, for garnishStepsFill a wine glass with ice. Sonia Rao, chicagotribune.com, 29 June 2018 One large bunch turnips with greens attached (about 4 turnips; see headnote)Kosher salt3 tablespoons unsalted butter1/4 cup heavy creamSeparate the turnips from their greens. Rinse the greens well, then coarsely chop them. Julia Turshen, sacbee, 20 Feb. 2018 Drain; once the spinach is cool enough to handle, use your hands to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Really squeeze (see the headnote). Domenica Marchetti, chicagotribune.com, 26 Dec. 2017 Split one vanilla bean open with a knife, then use the knife to scrape the seeds directly into the pan (may substitute 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste; see headnote). M. Carrie Allan, charlotteobserver, 22 Dec. 2017 See More Word History
First Known Use
1833, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Legal Definition
headnote
noun
head·note ˈhed-ˌnōt
: a summary prefixed to the report of a decided legal case stating the principles or rulings of the decision and usually the main facts of the case