prolusion

pro·lu·sion  (pr-lzhn)

n.

1. A preliminary exercise.

2. An essay written as a preface to a more detailed work.

---

[Latin prlsi, prlsin-, from prlsus, past participle of prldere, to practice beforehand : pr-, before; see pro-¹ + ldere, to play; see leid- in Indo-European roots.]

---

pro·luso·ry (-s-r, -z-) adj.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	prolusion - a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book foreword, preface text, textual matter - the words of something written; "there were more than a thousand words of text"; "they handed out the printed text of the mayor's speech"; "he wants to reconstruct the original text" introduction - the first section of a communication
	2.	prolusion - exercising in preparation for strenuous activity tune-up, warm-up preparation, readying - the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose; "preparations for the ceremony had begun"