Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Prelude
Pre′lude
,Noun.
[F. ]
prélude
(cf. It. preludio
, LL. praeludium
), fr. L. prae
before + ludus
play. See Prelude
, Verb.
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. The last Georgic was a good
prelude
to the Aenis Addison.
The cause is more than the
prelude
, the effect is more than the sequel, of the fact. Whewell.
Syn. – Preface; introduction; preliminary; preamble; forerunner; harbinger; precursor.
Pre-lude′
,Verb.
I.
[
imp. & p. p.
Preluded
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Preluding
.] To play an introduction or prelude; to give a prefatory performance; to serve as prelude.
The musicians
preluded
on their instruments. Sir. W. Scott.
We are
preluding
too largely, and must come at once to the point. Jeffrey.
Pre-lude′
,Verb.
T.
1.
To introduce with a previous performance; to play or perform a prelude to;
as, to
. prelude
a concert with a lively air2.
To serve as prelude to; to precede as introductory.
[Music]
preluding
some great tragedy. Longfellow
Webster 1828 Edition
Prelude
PRE'LUDE
,Noun.
1.
A short flight of music, or irregular air played by a musician before he begins the piece to be played, or before a full concert.2.
Something introductory or that shows what is to follow; something preceding which bears some relation or resemblance to that which is to follow. The last Georgic was a good prelude to the Aeneis.
3.
A forerunner; something which indicates a future event.