prolusion

[ proh-loo-zhuhn ]

noun

1. a preliminary written article.
2. an essay of an introductory nature, preliminary to a more profound work.

prolusion

/ prəˈluːzərɪ; prəˈluːʒən /

noun

1. a preliminary written exercise
2. an introductory essay, sometimes of a slight or tentative nature

Derived Forms

• prolusory, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prolusion¹

1595–1605; < Latin prōlūsiōn- (stem of prōlūsiō ) preliminary exercise, prelude, equivalent to prōlūs ( us ), past participle of prōlūdere ( prō- pro- ¹ + lūdere to play; prelude ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of prolusion¹

C17: from Latin prōlūsiō preliminary exercise, from prōlūdere to practise beforehand, from pro- ¹+ lūdere to play

Example Sentences

Yonder hangs a lordly deer; wild-fowl they have in prolusion; and in a short time they will, doubtless, enjoy their al fresco dinner as only sportsmen can.

From Project Gutenberg

As a much-admired author, some of whose writings belong to our English classics, his prophetic prolusions are not unworthy of notice.

From Project Gutenberg

It was, after all, only the easiest part of the task that he had set before him, only a prolusion to the tragedy that he would have to play to a finish.

From Project Gutenberg

His addresses were mainly of the memorial and anniversary kind, and were rather lectures and Ph. B. K. prolusions than speeches.

From Project Gutenberg

This was a possibility which had never entered the lawyer's long list of calamities, and he was at some loss to conceive what the old lady could possibly mean by so sentimental a prolusion.

From Project Gutenberg