Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of 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. The last Georgic was a good prelude to the [AE]nis --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"\, 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. 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"\, 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. 2. To serve as prelude to; to precede as introductory. [Music] preluding some great tragedy. --Longfellow