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Definition of prologue - 6 dictionary results

pro⋅logue

  [proh-lawg, -log] noun, verb, -logued, -logu⋅ing.
Use prologue in a Sentence
–noun
1. a preliminary discourse; a preface or introductory part of a discourse, poem, or novel.
2. an introductory speech, often in verse, calling attention to the theme of a play.
3. the actor or actress who delivers this.
4. an introductory scene, preceding the first act of a play, opera, etc.
5. any introductory proceeding, event, etc.: Appetizing delicacies were the prologue to a long dinner.
–verb (used with object)
6. to introduce with or as if with a prologue.
Also, prolog.

Origin:
1250–1300; ME prologe, prologue (< OF prologue) < L prōlogus < Gk prólogos. See pro- 2 , -logue

Related forms:
pro⋅logu⋅ist, pro⋅log⋅ist, noun
pro⋅logue⋅like, pro⋅log⋅like, adjective

Synonyms:
5. preamble; beginning, opening; prelude.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To prologue
pro·logue also pro·log   (prō'lôg', -lŏg')   
n.  
  1. An introduction or preface, especially a poem recited to introduce a play.
  2. An introduction or introductory chapter, as to a novel.
  3. An introductory act, event, or period.

[Middle English prolog, from Old French prologue, from Latin prologus, from Greek prologos : pro-, before; see pro-2 + logos, speech; see leg- in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Prologue

Pro"logue\, n. [F., fr. L. prologus, fr. Gr. ?, fr. ? to say beforehand; ? before + ? to say. See Logic.]

1. The preface or introduction to a discourse, poem, or performance; as, the prologue of Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales;" esp., a discourse or poem spoken before a dramatic performance

2. One who delivers a prologue. [R.] --Shak.

Prologue

Pro"logue\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prologued; p. pr. & vb. n. Prologuing.] To introduce with a formal preface, or prologue. [R.] --Shak.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Language Translation for : prologue
Spanish: prólogo,
German: der Prolog,
Japanese: 序幕
More Translations »

prologue 
c.1300, from O.Fr. prologue (c.1215), from L. prologus, from Gk. prologos "prologue of a play, speaker of a prologue," lit. "a speech beforehand," from pro- "before" + logos "discourse, speech," from legein "to speak" (see lecture).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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prologue

prefatory and supplementary pieces to a literary work, especially a verse drama. The ancient Greek prologos was of wider significance than the modern prologue, effectually taking the place of an explanatory first act. A character, often a deity, appeared on the empty stage to explain events prior to the action of the drama, which consisted mainly of a catastrophe. On the Latin stage, the prologue was generally more elaborately written, as in the case of Plautus' Rudens, which contains some of his finest poetry.

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Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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