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Webster 1913 Edition

Adj.

[See

Of the nature of a prelude; introductory; indicating that something of a like kind is to follow.

“Prelusive drops.”

Thomson.

–

Pre-lu′sive-ly

adv.

Adj.

Previous; introductory; indicating that something of a like kind is to follow; as prelusive drops.

prelusive ‎(comparative more prelusive, superlative most prelusive)

Acting as a prelude; preliminary.
- 1851, Herman Melville, Moby-Dick:
  On the grim Pequod's forecastle, ye shall ere long see him, beating his tambourine; prelusive of the eternal time, when sent for, to the great quarter-deck on high, he was bid strike in with angels, and beat his tambourine in glory; called a coward here, hailed a hero there!