- prel|ude
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–n.1. anything serving as an introduction; preliminary performance: »
The German invasion of Poland was a prelude to World War II. The treaty is regarded as a prelude to such a conference (New York Times).
2. a) a piece of music, or part of it, that introduces another piece or part: »But remember that the preludes and fugues were first of all reverie pieces used in the church service (Atlantic).
b) an independent instrumental movement or piece of an imaginative, improvised nature, usually short and following no special form. c) a composition played at the beginning of a church service, especially an organ solo: »We heard the organist play a prelude to the church service.
–v.t.1. to be a prelude or introduction to: »When the gray of morn preludes the splendour of the day (John Dryden).
2. to introduce with a prelude: »He preluded his address with a sonorous blast of the nose (Washington Irving).
3. Music. to play as a prelude.–v.i.1. to give a prelude or introductory performance.2. Music. to play a prelude.╂[< Middle French prélude, learned borrowing from Medieval Latin praeludium < Latin praelūdere to preface < prae- before + lūdere to play]
Useful english dictionary. 2012.
