The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Proem \Pro"em\, n. [L. prooemium, Gr. ?; ? before + ? way,
   course or strain of a song: cf. F. pro[`e]me.]
   Preface; introduction; preliminary observations; prelude.
   [1913 Webster]

         Thus much may serve by way of proem.     --Swift.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Proem \Pro"em\, v. t.
   To preface. [Obs.] --South.
   [1913 Webster]