> as lemmas

1741 H. Fielding Welsh Opera i. vi. 10 Had I the learning of the author of that opera book in the parlour window, I could not make a simile to my love.

1879 G. Grove Dict. Music I. 196 Like Mendelssohn he [sc. Beethoven] was in earnest in pursuit of an opera-book.

1991 She May 80/1 They'll look up the details of the plot and characters in..Kobbés Complete Opera Book.