1. (n.) The preface or introduction to a discourse, poem, or performance\; as, the prologue of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales; esp., a discourse or poem spoken before a dramatic performance

2. (n.) One who delivers a prologue.

3. (v. t.) To introduce with a formal preface, or prologue.

act afterpiece avant-propos bit breakthrough chaser curtain curtain call curtain raiser divertimento divertissement epilogue exode exodus exordium expository scene finale foreword front matter frontispiece hoke act innovation interlude intermezzo intermission introduction leap number overture postulate preamble preface prefix prefixture preliminary prelude premise presupposition proem prolegomena prolegomenon prolepsis protasis routine scene shtick sketch skit song and dance stand-up comedy act striptease turn verse voluntary