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noun, verb, -tured, -tur⋅ing.| 1. | an opening or initiating move toward negotiations, a new relationship, an agreement, etc.; a formal or informal proposal or offer: overtures of peace; a shy man who rarely made overtures of friendship. |
| 2. | Music.
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| 3. | an introductory part, as of a poem; prelude; prologue. |
| 4. | (in Presbyterian churches)
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| 5. | to submit as an overture or proposal: to overture conditions for a ceasefire. |
| 6. | to make an overture or proposal to: to overture one's adversary through a neutral party. |
A piece of music for instruments alone, written as an introduction to a longer work, such as an opera, an oratorio, or a musical comedy.