prolegomenous

[ proh-li-gom-uh-nuhs ]

adjective

1. prefatory; preliminary; introductory.
2. characterized by unnecessary or lengthy prologuizing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of prolegomenous¹

First recorded in 1740–50; prolegomen(on) + -ous

Example Sentences

The book nevertheless shows signs, not of failure but of fatigue, perhaps 327 of haste—a circumstance heightened by the absence of those “prolegomenous” chapters over which the author had lingered so lovingly in Tom Jones.

From Project Gutenberg

Seventh Grader Joel Montgomery coolly rapped out pastiche, prolegomenous, successfully spelled susurrus when Bobby shakily tiubbed it.

From Time Magazine Archive

And yet while the curt, pithy speaker misses the point entirely, a wordy, prolegomenous babbler will often add three new offences in the process of excusing one.

From Project Gutenberg

And yet while the curt, pithy speaker misses the point entirely, a wordy, prolegomenous babbler will often add three new offences in the process of excusing one.

From Project Gutenberg

And yet while the curt, pithy speaker misses the point entirely, a wordy, prolegomenous babbler will often add three new offences in the process of excusing one.

From Project Gutenberg