OPENING LINE • DICCIONARIO INGLES.COM • Definition of Opening line

... those desiring to lead were compelled to make attainment in both rhyme and meaning. Now, the reader will notice under "Holly Dink," heading "(b)," "I sh[o]' loves Miss Donie." This is a part of the opening line of our Negro Rhyme, "Likes and Dislikes." I would convey the thought to the reader that this whole Rhyme, and any other Negro Rhyme which would fit into a 2/4 music measure, could be, and was used by the Play Song leader in singing the calls ...

— Negro Folk Rhymes - Wise and Otherwise: With a Study • Thomas W. Talley

... guests, children from the table to relieve themselves; I fancy they also want to hum over what they will be singing presently. Hi! child! what do you reckon to sing? Stand there and give me the opening line. ...

— The Eleven Comedies - Vol. I • Aristophanes et al