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Entry 4 senses · 3 variants Webster, 1913

Prelude

/prāl'-o͞odˌ/ · Pre·lude · IPA /ˈpɹeɪl(j)uːd/
01 n. An introductory performance, preceding and preparing for the principal matter; a preliminary part, movement, strain, etc.; especially (Mus.…
  1. 1.
    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.(Mus.)
    “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.
02 v. i. To play an introduction or prelude; to give a prefatory performance; to serve as prelude.
imp. & p. p. Preluded; p. pr. & vb. n. Preluding
  1. 1.
    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.
03 v. t. To introduce with a previous performance; to play or perform a prelude to; as, to prelude a concert with a lively air.
  1. 1.
    To introduce with a previous performance; to play or perform a prelude to; as, to prelude a concert with a lively air.
  2. 2.
    To serve as prelude to; to precede as introductory.
    “[Music] preluding some great tragedy.” — Longfellow.