[Middle English proheme, from Old French, from Latin prooemium, from Greek prooimion : pro-, before; see pro-2 + oimē, song.] pro·e'mi·al (prō-ē'mē-əl, -ěm'ē-) adj.
c.1386, proheme "brief introduction, prelude," from O.Fr. proheme (14c.), from L. prooemium, from Gk. prooimion "prelude," from pro- "before" + oimos "way" or oime "song."