1. a brief summary or explanatory note at the beginning of a legal case or document
Usage: legal
2. an introductory note or comment at the top of a page or section

Examples

• The headnote summarized the court’s main ruling in just two sentences.
• Law students often read the headnote first to understand the case quickly.
• The editor added a headnote to explain the historical context.
• Each chapter began with a headnote outlining the key topics.
• The headnote helped readers navigate the complex legal document.
• She wrote a clear headnote to introduce the new policy changes.