definition of
prelude

[1] #1 prelude n. [preliminary, overture] something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows; "training is a necessary preliminary to employment"; "drinks were the overture to dinner". wn

[2] #2 prelude v. serve as a prelude or opening to. wn

[3] #3 prelude n. music that precedes a fugue or introduces an act in an opera. wn

[4] #4 prelude v. play as a prelude. wn