forepiece
/ˈfɔːrˌpɪs/ or /fɔːrˈpiːs/Definitions
1. noun
the front or introductory part of a work, especially a literary or musical work
“The forepiece of the novel provided an engaging backstory that hooked the reader.”
2. noun
the front or lower part of a ship’s bow, extending from the stem to the beakhead
“The forepiece of the ship had been damaged in the storm.”