Pre"lude (?), n. [F.
prélude (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
Ænis
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.
préluder. 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
