from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Prelude \Pre*lude"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Preluded}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Preluding}.] [L. praeludere, praelusum; prae before +
ludere to play: cf. F. pr['e]luder. See {Ludicrous}.]
To play an introduction or prelude; to give a prefatory
performance; to serve as prelude.
[1913 Webster]
The musicians preluded on their instruments. --Sir. W.
Scott.
[1913 Webster]
We are preluding too largely, and must come at once to
the point. --Jeffrey.
[1913 Webster]