Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Overture
O′ver-ture
,1.
An opening or aperture; a recess; a chamber.
[Obs.]
Spenser.
“The cave’s inmost overture.” Chapman.
2.
Disclosure; discovery; revelation.
[Obs.]
It was he
That made the
That made the
overture
of thy treasons to us. Shakespeare
3.
A proposal; an offer; a proposition formally submitted for consideration, acceptance, or rejection.
“The great overture of the gospel.” Barrow.
4.
(Mus.)
A composition, for a full orchestra, designed as an introduction to an oratorio, opera, or ballet, or as an independent piece; – called in the latter case a
concert overture
. O′ver-ture
,Verb.
T.
To make an overture to;
as, to
. overture
a religious body on some subjectWebster 1828 Edition
Overture
O'VERTURE
,Noun.
1.
Opening; disclosure; discovery. [In this literal sense, little used.]2.
Proposal; something offered for consideration, acceptance or rejection. The prince made overtures of peace, which were accepted.3.
The opening piece, prelude or symphony of some public act, ceremony or entertainment. The overture in theatrical entertainments, is a piece of music usually ending in a fugue. The overture of a jubilee is a general procession, &c.