NOUN (1)

1. a preliminary introduction to a statute or constitution (usually explaining its purpose);


VERB (1)

1. make a preliminary introduction, usually to a formal document;

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Preamble \Pre"am`ble\, n. [LL. praeambulum, from L. praeambulus
   walking before, fr. praeambulare to walk before; prae before
   + ambulare to walk: cf. F. pr['e]ambule. See Amble.]
   A introductory portion; an introduction or preface, as to a
   book, document, etc.; specifically, the introductory part of
   a statute, which states the reasons and intent of the law.
   [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Preamble \Pre"am`ble\, v. t. & i.
   To make a preamble to; to preface; to serve as a preamble.
   [R.] --Feltham. Milton.
   [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

preamble
    n 1: a preliminary introduction to a statute or constitution
         (usually explaining its purpose)
    v 1: make a preliminary introduction, usually to a formal
         document