1. (n.) 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.

2. (v. i.) To play an introduction or prelude; to give a prefatory performance; to serve as prelude.

3. (v. t.) To introduce with a previous performance; to play or perform a prelude to; as, to prelude a concert with a lively air.

4. (v. t.) To serve as prelude to; to precede as introductory.

Vorspiel antecedence antecedency anteposition anteriority avant-propos breakthrough concert overture curtain raiser descant dominion dramatic overture exordium foreword front matter front position frontispiece innovation introduce introduction leap operatic overture overture postulate preamble precedence precedency preceding precession precursor preface preference prefix prefixation prefixture preliminary premise presupposition priority proem prolegomena prolegomenon prolepsis prologize prologue protasis prothesis superiority the lead top priority urgency vamp verse voluntary