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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Prelude \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.
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2. To serve as prelude to; to precede as introductory.
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[Music] preluding some great tragedy. --Longfellow
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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.
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The last Georgic was a good prelude to the Aenis
--Addison.
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The cause is more than the prelude, the effect is more
than the sequel, of the fact. --Whewell.
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Syn: Preface; introduction; preliminary; preamble;
forerunner; harbinger; precursor.
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Prelude \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.
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The musicians preluded on their instruments. --Sir. W.
Scott.
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We are preluding too largely, and must come at once to
the point. --Jeffrey.
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