PROLOGUE

prologue

(noun) an introduction to a play

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

prologue (plural prologues)

A speech or section used as an introduction, especially to a play or novel.

Synonyms: forespeech, Thesaurus:foreword

Antonyms: epilogue, Thesaurus:afterword

One who delivers a prologue.

(computing) A component of a computer program that prepares the computer to execute a routine.

(cycling) An individual time trial before a stage race, used to determine which rider wears the leader's jersey on the first stage.

Verb

prologue (third-person singular simple present prologues, present participle prologuing, simple past and past participle prologued)

To introduce with a formal preface, or prologue.

Source: Wiktionary

Pro"logue, n. Etym: [F., fr. L. prologus, fr. Gr. Logic.]

1. 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. One who delivers a prologue. [R.] Shak.

Pro"logue, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prologued; p. pr. & vb. n. Prologuing.]

Definition: To introduce with a formal preface, or prologue. [R.] Shak.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition