PRELUDING

Verb

preluding

present participle of prelude

Noun

preluding (plural preludings)

Something serving as a prelude; an introductory work or remark.

Source: Wiktionary

PRELUDE

Pre"lude, n. Etym: [F. prélude (cf. It. preludio, LL. praeludium), fr. L. prae before + ludus play. See Prelude, v. t.]

Definition: 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 Ænis 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", v. i. [imp. & p. p. Preluded; p. pr. & vb. n. Preluding.] Etym: [L. praeludere, praelusum; prae before + ludere to play: cf. F. préluder. See Ludicrous.]

Definition: 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", v. 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

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition