The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Prelude \Pre*lude"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Preluded; p. pr. &
   vb. n. Preluding.] [L. praeludere, praelusum; prae before +
   ludere to play: cf. F. pr['e]luder. See Ludicrous.]
   To play an introduction or prelude; to give a prefatory
   performance; to serve as prelude.
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         The musicians preluded on their instruments. --Sir. W.
                                                  Scott.
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         We are preluding too largely, and must come at once to
         the point.                               --Jeffrey.
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