prelude

Noun · Verb
Synonyms: preliminaryoverture

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

  1. something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows“training is a necessary preliminary to employment”“drinks were the overture to dinner”Synonyms: preliminaryoverture
  2. music that precedes a fugue or introduces an act in an opera

Verb (2)

  1. serve as a prelude or opening to
  2. play as a prelude
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Prelude \Pre*lude"\, v. t.

1.To introduce with a previous performance; to play or perform a prelude to; as, to prelude a concert with a lively air. [1913 Webster]

2.To serve as prelude to; to precede as introductory. [1913 Webster]

[Music] preluding some great tragedy.— Longfellow[1913 Webster]
Prelude \Pre"lude\, n. [F. pr['e]lude (cf. It. preludio, LL. praeludium), fr. L. prae before + ludus play. See Prelude, v. t.] An introductory performance, preceding and preparing for the principal matter; a preliminary part, movement, strain, etc.; especially (Mus.), a strain introducing the theme or chief subject; a movement introductory to a fugue, yet independent; -- with recent composers often synonymous with overture. [1913 Webster]

The last Georgic was a good prelude to the Aenis --Addison. [1913 Webster]

The cause is more than the prelude, the effect is more than the sequel, of the fact. --Whewell. [1913 Webster]

Syn: Preface; introduction; preliminary; preamble; forerunner; harbinger; precursor. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

The musicians preluded on their instruments. --Sir. W. Scott. [1913 Webster]

We are preluding too largely, and must come at once to the point. --Jeffrey. [1913 Webster]

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