WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Pre"lude
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [F. pr?lude (cf. It. preludio, LL. praeludium), fr. L. prae before + ludus play. See Prelude, v. t.]
Definition : Defn: 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 ?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.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Pre*lude"
Part of Speech : v.
Etymology : [L. praeludere, praelusum; prae before + ludere to play: cf. F. pr?luder. See Ludicrous.]
Definition : Defn: 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.

i. [imp. & p. p. Preluded; p. pr. & vb. n. Preluding.]
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Pre*lude"
Part of Speech : v.
Definition : 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

t.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913