An introductory speech, a preface.

The preface or introduction to a text; esp. a speech (usually in verse) forming the introduction to a play; a preamble, a preliminary discourse…

= proem, n. 1.

A preliminary or preparatory statement in speech or writing; an introductory paragraph, section, or clause; a preface, a prologue, an introduction.

An introductory discourse at the beginning of a piece of writing; a preface, preamble.

= exordium, n.

A prologue, a preface. Cf. sense B. 2.

A prologue; prefatory material. Obsolete. rare.

The action of forespeak, v.; †a preliminary speech, preface; †a prediction.

The introduction to a literary work, usually stating its subject, purpose, scope, method, etc.; (in modern use also) spec. an introductory note…

= proem, n.

An introduction or preface to a book. Obsolete.

That which leads to the knowledge or understanding of something. A preliminary explanation prefixed to or included in a book or other writing; the…

An introductory statement; a preface, preamble, or introduction (to a book or the like). archaic.

The action of introducing; an introduction.

A preface or letter of dedication addressed to a patron or to the reader, at the beginning of a literary work. In later use only with modifying…

A preliminary action, or condition, preceding and introducing one of more importance; an introduction, a preface; a precursor.

The action of setting out, declaring, or propounding something, esp. by way of introduction or preamble (cf. sense 1c); an instance of this. Obsolete.

A preliminary talk or speech, introduction, preface.

The beginning of anything; esp. the introductory part of a discourse, treatise, etc.; ‘the proemial part of a composition’ (Johnson).

In plural. Prefatory or introductory (written) observations; esp. a preliminary discourse preceding the main text of a book, chapter, etc. Later…

A preamble or introduction to a book or subject. Obsolete.

An introduction.

figurative. A preamble, an introduction. In plural: introductory observations; prolegomena. Now rare.

A written preface or introduction; (in plural) prefatory remarks, prolegomena. Obsolete.

A word said before something else; hence, an introduction, a preface.

A written preface or introduction, a commentary (cf. programma, n. 2); (spec. in German schools) an essay or commentary prefixed to the annual…

figurative. A preamble; a preliminary. Cf. propylaeum, n. 2. rare.

Textual and design elements that are incorporated within the physical format of a published work as supplements to the main body, e.g. front cover…

A preface; a piece of peritext (peritext, n.). rare (now superseded by sense 2).