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Webster 1913 Edition


Prelude

Pre′lude

,
Noun.
[F.
prélude
(cf. It.
preludio
, LL.
praeludium
), fr. L.
prae
before +
ludus
play. See
Prelude
,
Verb.
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 Aenis
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′

,
Verb.
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′

,
Verb.
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

Webster 1828 Edition


Prelude

PRE'LUDE

,
Noun.
[Low L. proeludium, from proeludo; proe, before, and ludo, to play.]
1.
A short flight of music, or irregular air played by a musician before he begins the piece to be played, or before a full concert.
2.
Something introductory or that shows what is to follow; something preceding which bears some relation or resemblance to that which is to follow.
The last Georgic was a good prelude to the Aeneis.
3.
A forerunner; something which indicates a future event.

Definition 2024


prelude

prelude

See also: prélude and préludé

English

Alternative forms

Noun

prelude (plural preludes)

  1. An introductory or preliminary performance or event; a preface.
  2. (music) A short piece of music that acts as an introduction to a longer piece.

Translations

Verb

prelude (third-person singular simple present preludes, present participle preluding, simple past and past participle preluded)

  1. To introduce something, as a prelude.
  2. To play an introduction or prelude; to give a prefatory performance.
    • Sir Walter Scott
      The musicians preluded on their instruments.
    • Jeffrey
      We are preluding too largely, and must come at once to the point.

References

  • prelude” in Douglas Harper, Online Etymology Dictionary (2001).

Italian

Verb

prelude

  1. third-person singular present indicative of preludere

Anagrams