mainpiece

English

Alternative forms

• main-piece

Etymology

From main +‎ piece.

Noun

mainpiece (plural mainpieces)

1. (theater) The primary play or other work performed at an evening's entertainment at the theatre, as opposed to smaller introductory or additional works.
   • 1993, John C Greene, Gladys LH Clark, The Dublin Stage, 1720–1745, page 72:

     A typical evening at the principal Dublin theatres could extend over five or six hours and consisted of a mainpiece, frequently with a prologue and epilogue, followed by one, and occasionally two, afterpieces.

   • 2007, Michael Burden, edited by Moody & O'Quinn, British Theatre 1730-1830, page 205:

     Drury Lane and Covent Garden put on mainly spoken plays; the all-sung operas staged there were usually afterpieces in English, though operas with spoken dialogue also appeared among the mainpieces in various guises, including ballad opera and burletta.

2. (nautical) The principal part of a ship's head; the principal piece of timber in a rudder.