1. (n.) An instrumental prelude to an opera; a proposal; an offer; a proposition formally submitted for consideration\, acceptance, or rejection.

2. (n.) An opening or aperture; a recess; a recess; a chamber.

3. (n.) Disclosure; discovery; revelation.

4. (n.) A composition, for a full orchestra, designed as an introduction to an oratorio, opera, or ballet, or as an independent piece; -- called in the latter case a concert overture.

5. (v. t.) To make an overture to; as, to overture a religious body on some subject.

Vorspiel advance approach asking price avant-propos bid breakthrough concert overture curtain raiser descant dramatic overture exordium feeler foreword front matter frontispiece innovation introduction invitation leap offer offering operatic overture overtures postulate preamble preface prefix prefixture preliminary preliminary approach prelude premise presentation presupposition proem proffer prolegomena prolegomenon prolepsis prologue proposal proposition protasis submission tender tentative approach vamp verse voluntary