standfirst n. in British journalism, introductory or summary information above a newspaper article; a kicker (U.S.); a précis. Editorial Note: Sometimes wrongly used as a synonym with lead (or lede), which is part of the article whereas a standfirst is not. The content of the May 6, 2003, citation is made of in-house editing notes which ordinarily would not pass through the editorial process onto the news wires. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
A flashlight doesn’t flash. It provides a steady beam of light. So why is it called a flashlight? The earliest versions lit up only briefly before the batteries gave out and required a recharge, so they were literally “flash lights...