Pro"logue (?), n. [F., fr. L. prologus, fr. Gr. &?;, fr. &?; to say beforehand; &?; before + &?; to say. See Logic.]

1. The preface or introduction to a discourse, poem, or performance; as, the prologue of Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales;" esp., a discourse or poem spoken before a dramatic performance

2. One who delivers a prologue. [R.] Shak.

Pro"logue, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prologued (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Prologuing.] To introduce with a formal preface, or prologue. [R.] Shak.

• an introduction, especially to a play or novel